Just Five Things

Worksheet Description

The “Stranded on an Island” worksheet presents a hypothetical survival situation where the participant is aware in advance that they will be alone on a desert island for a month without electricity. It challenges the participant to think critically about which five items they would bring, including clothing, to aid in their survival. The worksheet prompts the participant to list these items and describe the reasoning behind each choice. The focus on the lack of electricity further pushes the participant to think outside the bounds of modern conveniences when making their selections.

This worksheet is intended to teach students the importance of planning and prioritizing when faced with limited resources. By selecting only five items to aid in their survival, students must differentiate between essential and non-essential items. The activity also encourages critical thinking, as students must consider the practical applications and long-term usefulness of each item. Furthermore, the worksheet could stimulate discussions on adaptability and innovation in situations where one’s usual comforts and technologies are unavailable.