Goods and Services Sort

Overview

In this activity, students will identify and classify goods and services in their community through a sorting game. This activity connects to the Economic Decision Making strand of the curriculum, helping students understand how communities provide goods and services to meet needs and wants.

Students will learn to differentiate between goods (physical items) and services (actions done for others), and understand how both are important in their community. This activity promotes economic literacy, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the various ways community members contribute to meeting needs and wants.

Learning Objectives

• Identify goods and services available in the community
• Classify workers who provide goods and services
• Distinguish between goods (physical items) and services (actions done for others)
• Appreciate that goods and services provide both needs and wants
• Recognize the interdependence of people in providing goods and services

Materials

• Picture cards of various goods and services
• Two sorting containers labeled "Goods" and "Services"
• Chart paper and markers
• Goods and services matching worksheet
• Pictures of community workers
• Simple goods and services definition cards

Preparation

1. Create or gather picture cards showing various goods and services
2. Prepare two containers labeled "Goods" and "Services"
3. Create a simple chart defining goods and services
4. Prepare a matching worksheet for assessment
5. Gather pictures of community workers who provide goods and services

Steps

1. Introduction (5 minutes):
   • Show students a physical item (e.g., a book) and perform a service (e.g., reading to them)
   • Ask students to identify the difference between the two
   • Introduce the concepts of goods (things we can touch) and services (things people do for us)
2. Presentation and Discussion (10 minutes):
   • Show slides or pictures of different goods and services in the community
   • For each example, ask students if it's something they can touch (good) or something done for them (service)
   • Create a class list of goods and services on chart paper
3. Sorting Activity (10 minutes):
   • Divide students into small groups
   • Give each group a set of picture cards and two sorting containers
   • Have students sort the cards into "Goods" and "Services" categories
   • Circulate to provide guidance and ask questions
4. Assessment and Reflection (5 minutes):
   • Have groups share their sorting results with the class
   • Discuss any cards that were challenging to categorize
   • Complete a simple matching worksheet to assess understanding
   • Reflect on how goods and services help meet community needs and wants

Differentiation

Assessment