‘Need’ versus ‘want’

All humans have the same needs, but every person will have different wants. Do you know what the difference between needing something and wanting something is?

Press Definitions to explore descriptions and examples of ‘need’ and ‘want’.

Definitions

Preserving land

Imagine that you have been given the important task of preserving an area of land.

You get one square kilometre of land that contains a forest, a river with fish, fresh air, and sunlight. Consider how you can use resources while preserving the natural environment.

1. What do you want to do with this area of land?
2. Do you want to build anything? What would you build?
3. Do you want to farm any food? What would you farm?
4. What do you need to do to preserve this area of land?

Record your responses using a method of your choice.

Human needs and the environment

There are over 38 million people in Canada. For people to survive, society must make sure that their needs are fulfilled.

In what ways can human needs impact the natural environment?

Record your answer using a method of your choice.

Press Suggested Answers to reveal possible answers.

Suggested Answers

The impacts of human needs

All humans need shelter, food, clean water, clean air, and safety. Fulfilling these needs always has impacts on the natural environment.

There are ways that people can have their needs fulfilled while reducing the negative impacts they have on the natural environment. This is important because the natural environment supports all life on Earth.

Press Definition to check out a description of stewardship.

Definition

In many parts of the world, Indigenous communities have been stewards of the land and water for thousands of years. Indigenous peoples have developed practices for living on the land by using resources sustainably and making very little impact on the natural environment.

Let’s explore a video in which we meet Chyyah, a NuChaNulth girl from Port Alberni, British Columbia. Consider the ways that Chyyah’s community has a relationship with the natural environment.

1. How does Chyyah know when the salmon berries are ready?
2. What does it mean to harvest medicines?
3. How does Chyyah’s class demonstrate their stewardship for the natural environment?
4. What are two things you would like to learn from Chyyah’s community about their stewardship for the natural environment?

Record your answers using a method of your choice.

Press Suggested Answers to reveal possible answers.

Suggested Answers

Using natural resources

We are now going to explore two ways that we use natural resources in Canada. Consider their impacts on the natural environment, and whether they serve human needs or wants.

Press each tab to access a description of a way that we use natural resources.

How do we balance human needs and wants with environmental stewardship?

Record your answer using a method of your choice.

Stewardship in our communities

Think of a creative way to present information about environmental stewardship. You can create:

• an audio or video recording
• a brochure
• a collage or drawing
• a flyer or poster
• a slide show
• another method of your choice

Use the information about environmental stewardship from this learning activity to make your presentation. As you make your presentation, consider the following questions:

• How can we be environmental stewards in our homes?
• How can we be environmental stewards in our schools?
• How can we be environmental stewards in our communities?

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.