This paper describes a list of five items necessary for survival on a desert island, and the reasoning behind choosing each of these items. They are, in order: a waterproof sleeping bag, multivitamin/mineral tablets, a survival knife, 50 square yards of plastic sheeting, and a box of 500 waterproof kitchen matches. No provision is made by the author for rescue, since the assignment specifies that the students will only be on the desert island for one year. 3 pgs, no bibliography.