Chopsticks and Pandas: A Matter of Scarcity

Joseph Parrett

This is a kindergarten unit that will address both Social Studies standards in the area of Economics and English Language Arts (ELA) standards from the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Students will be engaged in a study of the Giant Panda as it relates to the natural resource of bamboo. They will be exploring the concept of scarcity and balancing human wants against the needs of the giant panda. We will also be exploring the concepts of conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. Students will be practicing many skills including critical thinking, supporting an opinion with details, and writing through art and dictation. This unit could be adapted for use in other elementary grade classes.