Instructions
Welcome, Global Problem Solver! Large problems, like cleaning up the ocean or making sure everyone has enough food, require many people and even different nations to work together. This worksheet explores how we cooperate to fix big issues. Read the directions carefully for each section.
- Complete the matching activity by drawing a line from the problem to the solution.
- Circle the best answer for the scenario questions.
- Fill out the chart, thinking about how different groups help solve problems.
- Answer the final challenge question using your best ideas.
Section 1: Community Cooperation
We start small! Match the local problem with the group or person that works to fix it. Draw a line to connect them.
| Problem |
|---|
| 1. The park is full of litter. |
| 2. A pet dog needs medicine. |
| 3. A house catches fire. |
| 4. Neighbors need food. |
| Solution |
|---|
| A. The Fire Department works together. |
| B. A local food bank organizes volunteers. |
| C. A neighborhood clean-up team meets. |
| D. The veterinarian provides care. |
Section 2: Thinking Globally
Sometimes, problems are too big for just one town or one country. We need international cooperation, meaning nations and groups from around the world help each other. Read the scenario and answer the questions.
Scenario: A massive earthquake hits a small island nation, destroying homes and hospitals.
-
What kind of help is most urgently needed right away? (Circle three answers)
- A. Luxury cars
- B. Clean water and food
- C. Medical supplies and doctors
- D. People to help build temporary shelters
- E. New video games
-
If Nation A sends its specialized rescue team, and Nation B sends a large supply of blankets, this shows:
- (a) Competition
- (b) Cooperation
- (c) Confusion
-
The most important reason nations work together to fix this disaster is:
- (a) To show off their money.
- (b) Because helping people in need is the right thing to do.
- (c) To practice giving away old supplies.
Section 3: Fixing Problems Together (Action Chart)
Fill in the chart below. Think of different kinds of problems and the large groups or nations that might work together to solve them. An example is provided.
| Problem | Who Helps? (Group, Nation, or Organization) | How Did They Help? (Specific Action) |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Many children are hungry in different parts of the world. | Example: The United Nations (UN) and food banks. | Example: They organized global donations and delivered special high-nutrient meals. |
| 1. A new sickness is spreading globally. | ||
| 2. Deforestation (cutting down too many trees) is causing climate problems. | ||
| 3. Pirates are attacking ships carrying necessary goods. | ||
| 4. A country is training its farmers on how to grow more food successfully. | ||
| 5. Too much plastic pollution is in the ocean. |
Section 4: Critical Thinker Challenge
Instructions: Answer this question in 2-3 sentences. (Use the space provided below)
If you were the leader of an international group dedicated to solving one major world problem, which problem would you choose? Explain why that problem is important and one specific action your group would take to fix it.
My Problem: _____
My Action: __
Answer Key
Section 1: Community Cooperation
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| 1. The park is full of litter. | C. A neighborhood clean-up team meets. |
| 2. A pet dog needs medicine. | D. The veterinarian provides care. |
| 3. A house catches fire. | A. The Fire Department works together. |
| 4. Neighbors need food. | B. A local food bank organizes volunteers. |
Section 2: Thinking Globally
-
What kind of help is most urgently needed right away? (Circle three answers)
- B. Clean water and food
- C. Medical supplies and doctors
- D. People to help build temporary shelters
-
If Nation A sends its specialized rescue team, and Nation B sends a large supply of blankets, this shows:
- (b) Cooperation
-
The most important reason nations work together to fix this disaster is:
- (b) Because helping people in need is the right thing to do.
Section 3: Fixing Problems Together (Action Chart)
Note: Answers will vary, but should reflect logical cooperation.
| Problem | Who Helps? (Group, Nation, or Organization) | How Did They Help? (Specific Action) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. A new sickness is spreading globally. | World Health Organization (WHO), Scientists from multiple countries. | Sharing research and vaccines; giving advice on health safety. |
| 2. Deforestation (cutting down too many trees) is causing climate problems. | Governments of large countries, Environmental groups. | Passing laws to protect forests; funding programs to plant new trees. |
| 3. Pirates are attacking ships carrying necessary goods. | International Navies (Navy ships from many nations). | Working together to patrol shipping lanes and keep them safe. |
| 4. A country is training its farmers on how to grow more food successfully. | Agricultural experts from developed countries, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations). | Sharing new farming techniques and providing high-quality seeds. |
| 5. Too much plastic pollution is in the ocean. | Clean Ocean Initiatives, Coastal Nations. | Organizing international volunteer beach clean-ups; designing new technologies to filter plastic. |
Section 4: Critical Thinker Challenge
Answers are based on critical thinking and personal preference. Look for clear identification of a problem and a related, actionable solution.