Worked example
Two wanted activities each take one hour, but the class has only one hour total. Which resource is limited?
Answer & why
Answer: time
The available hour cannot accommodate both full activities.
Grade 3 · Social studies
Explain choices caused by scarce resources
Identify a limited resource and distinguish scarcity from a preference alone.
6 authored questions + worked example
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All questions
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
A class wants to build six models but has cardboard for only four. Which resource is limited?
- space
- time
- materials
- money
A hint
Scarcity occurs because resources are limited compared with the uses people want.
Answer & why
Answer: materials
There is not enough cardboard for all six models.
Question 2
A group has $10 and wants two items costing $8 each. Which resource is limited?
- materials
- money
- time
- space
A hint
Scarcity occurs because resources are limited compared with the uses people want.
Answer & why
Answer: money
The total desired cost is $16, more than the $10 available.
Question 3
A workshop lasts 30 minutes, but a wanted project needs 45 minutes. Which resource is limited?
- money
- time
- space
- materials
A hint
Scarcity occurs because resources are limited compared with the uses people want.
Answer & why
Answer: time
The available workshop time is shorter than the project requires.
Question 4
Ten students want desk places, but a room has space for only eight desks. Which resource is limited?
- money
- space
- time
- materials
A hint
Scarcity occurs because resources are limited compared with the uses people want.
Answer & why
Answer: space
The room cannot hold all ten desk places.
Question 5
Two wanted activities each take one hour, but the class has only one hour total. Which resource is limited?
- space
- time
- money
- materials
A hint
Scarcity occurs because resources are limited compared with the uses people want.
Answer & why
Answer: time
The available hour cannot accommodate both full activities.
Question 6
A garden has room for three large pots, but the group wants to place five. Which resource is limited?
- space
- materials
- time
- money
A hint
Scarcity occurs because resources are limited compared with the uses people want.
Answer & why
Answer: space
The available area holds fewer pots than the group wants.