Title: Illustrate the interconnectedness of needs and wants and resource availability.
Course: Sustainability and Renewable Technologies (21053) > Section: Exploring the Economics of Sustainability

Illustration may include a diagram, written exposition, or performance that shows how consumerism (i.e., wants) affects environmental, social, and economic systems.

Illustration should reflect that when needs are satisfied, wants are magnified, and resource consumption increases.

Teacher Resource:

History, People, and Milestones: PBS Engineering Technology Resources, (https://wv.pbslearningmedia.org/subjects/engineering--technology/history-people-and-milestones/?student=true)

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are some underlying issues with the consumer model for the current economy in the United States?
- How might someone’s wants and needs change during crisis situations?
- How does the satisfaction of human needs lead to a greater importance being placed on human wants?
- How does availability of resources interconnect with human wants and needs?
- Why might one be willing to pay more for a product if it would last longer and/or leave a smaller carbon footprint?
- What factors influence decision making when thinking about buying a product? What primary factors influence consumers when purchasing products?