What is Shortage and Surplus?

Learn about shortages and surpluses with this informative worksheet! Shortages and surpluses happen when demand for a good or service does not match the good or service’s availability. In this activity, learners will get a brief introduction to shortage and surplus. Then, students will read seven short scenarios and determine whether each one is a shortage or surplus.

This activity is a great way to introduce fourth and fifth graders to the concepts of shortage and surplus. By applying these economic foundations to everyday scenarios, learners can better understand what shortages and surpluses are. These concepts are fundamental for future lessons in supply, demand, and pricing.