1. Build background about population density.
Explain to students that population density describes the number of individuals occupying an area in relation to the size of that area. Tell students that there is a formula for figuring out population density:
number of people ÷ the area they occupy = population density
Explain to students that geographers focus on the spatial distribution of population density at different levels of scale: local, state or province, national, and global. Ask: What is a reliable source of population data at the national level? (U.S. Census)
2. Discuss the U.S. Census and how the collected data is used.
Explain to students that the U.S. Constitution mandates a count of everyone living in the United States every 10 years. Ask: Why might it be helpful to have a reliable estimation of the U.S. population? Provide students with a real-world example, such as deciding where to build new roads and schools. Elicit from students that having a reliable estimation makes it possible to make decisions about what community services to provide. Tell students that it also helps to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress, and more.
3. Display the U.S. and World Population Clocks on the U.S. Census Bureau website.
Go to the U.S. Census Bureau website and display the U.S. and World Population Clocks. Tell students the numbers are updated once per minute. Ask: Are there more or less people in the United States than you thought? In the world? How many of them do you think live in your state?
4. Have students use the Data Finders section to calculate the population density for their state.
Remind students of the formula for figuring out population density:
number of people ÷ the area they occupy = population density
Have students use the Population Finder and Find an Area Profile on the U.S. Census Bureau website to choose their state and view its QuickFacts. Students should find the information they need to calculate the population density for their state:
- Population estimate = number of people
- Land area (in square miles) = the area they occupy
Have students compare answers.
Extending the Learning
Have students refer to a world map or atlas and list five countries that they think are the world’s most populated countries. Then have them list five countries that they think are the world’s least populated countries. Discuss answers as a class. Vote on the top 5 in each category. Then have students check their answers at the U.S. Census Bureau’s International Data Base.
Subjects & Disciplines
- Geography
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- explain the formula for calculating population density
- describe what the U.S. Census does and how the data is used
- calculate the population density for their state
Teaching Approach
- Learning-for-use
Teaching Methods
- Discussions
- Hands-on learning
Skills Summary
This activity targets the following skills:
-
Critical Thinking Skills
- Remembering
- Understanding
- Geographic Skills
Connections to National Standards, Principles, and Practices
National Council for Social Studies Curriculum Standards
- Theme 3: People, Places, and Environments
National Geography Standards
- Standard 9: The characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations on Earth's surface
What You’ll Need
Materials You Provide
- Paper
- Pencils
- Pens
Required Technology
- Internet Access: Required
- Tech Setup: 1 computer per classroom, Projector
Physical Space
- Classroom
Grouping
- Large-group instruction
Background Information
Population density describes the number of individuals occupying an area in relation to the size of the area they occupy. The U.S. Census Bureau serves as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy.
Prior Knowledge
- None
Recommended Prior Activities
Vocabulary
program of a nation, state, or other region that counts the population and usually gives its characteristics, such as age and gender.
worldwide.
having to do with the area around a specific place.
total number of people or organisms in a particular area.
Articles & Profiles
Audio & Video
Websites