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Program
Links
map
- National Geographic Education: Americas MapMaker Kit
- NG MapMaker Interactive: Land Cover—North and South America
website
1. Have students create a thematic map of population density of the United States.
Have students use data from the provided U.S. Census Bureau website to create a thematic map of population density on one of the large maps of the Americas from the Americas MapMaker Kit. Have students create a symbol for population density; for example, one figure = one million people, and cut out and tape the symbols onto the large map of the Americas to show the population of different states.
2. Have a whole-class discussion about the patterns of population density on the large map.
Explain to students that people prefer to live in places that are most convenient and hospitable. These places are usually close to the coast or to rivers and other transportation corridors. In the United States, over half the population lives within fifty miles of the coast. Ask: Where is the population of the United States most and least dense? Why?
3. Have students compare their thematic map to the NG Education interactive map with the Land Cover data layer selected.
Display for students the NG Education interactive map with the Land Cover data layer selected. Have students compare it to their population density layer on the large map of the Americas and identify any relationships they see. Point out how the population density is lower in areas with forests, deserts, and mountains. Ask: Why do those factors affect population density? What other factors affect population density?
Subjects & Disciplines
- Geography
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- create a thematic map showing population density in the United States
- describe the patterns on the thematic map and the reasons for them
- compare two thematic maps and recognize relationships between different layers of information
Teaching Approach
- Learning-for-use
Teaching Methods
- Discussions
- Hands-on learning
Skills Summary
This activity targets the following skills:
- 21st Century Themes
-
Critical Thinking Skills
- Analyzing
- 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 1: How to use maps and other geographic representations, geospatial technologies, and spatial thinking to understand and communicate information
- Standard 12: The processes, patterns, and functions of human settlement
- Standard 3: How to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and environments on Earth's surface
What You’ll Need
Materials You Provide
- Markers
- Paper
- Scissors
- Transparent tape
Required Technology
- Internet Access: Required
- Tech Setup: 1 computer per classroom, Projector
- Plug-Ins: Flash
Physical Space
- Classroom
Grouping
- Large-group instruction
Other Notes
Before starting this activity, assemble the Americas Mega Map.
Background Information
Geographers use maps to convey information to others. You can display physical, political or cultural information, or use maps to illustrate specific themes and topics. Maps are useful in helping to see patterns or relationships between layers of information.
Prior Knowledge
- None
Recommended Prior Activities
- None
Vocabulary
the number of people living in a set area, such as a square mile.
representation of data on a specific topic for a specific area.
Articles & Profiles
-
Human Population
As of 2018, there were an estimated 7.5 billion people on the planet and the population continues to grow. How many people can Earth support? Some scientists suggest that the maximum carrying capacity is nine to ten billion people, but this estimate depends on many factors including population distribution and the consumption rate of necessary resources like food, water, and energy. Help your students understand human population with these classroom resources.
-
Census
Every few years, governments count the people living in their territories, a process called a census. These counts help decide how best to allocate resources and determine political representation. Learn about the surprisingly ancient origins of the census and why this counting process is important to this day.
-
Population Characteristics
Demography is the study of a population, the total number of people or organisms in a given area. Understanding how population characteristics such as size, spatial distribution, age structure, or the birth and death rates change over time can help scientists or governments make decisions. For example, knowing how lion populations have increased or decreased over a period of time can help conservationists understand if their protection efforts are effective while knowing how many seniors or children live in a particular neighborhood can shape the type of activities scheduled at the local recreation center. Select from these resources to teach your students about population characteristics.
-
Demographics
Demography is the study of demographics, the social characteristics and statistics of a human population. This study of the size, age structures, and economics of different populations can be used for a variety of purposes. Political candidates use the information to inform targeted campaigns. Scientists employ the data to answer research questions, and marketing teams use it for advertising purposes. Government and business policymakers use it to craft ideas and plan for the future. Help your students understand demographics with these classroom resources.
-
Calculating Population Density
Students calculate population density in the United States and describe some of the patterns in the results.
-
density
Density is the number of things—which could be people, animals, plants, or objects—in a certain area
-
Introduction to Population Density
Students learn a formula for calculating population density. Then they explore U.S. Census data.
-
Human Population
As of 2018, there were an estimated 7.5 billion people on the planet and the population continues to grow. How many people can Earth support? Some scientists suggest that the maximum carrying capacity is nine to ten billion people, but this estimate depends on many factors including population distribution and the consumption rate of necessary resources like food, water, and energy. Help your students understand human population with these classroom resources.
-
Census
Every few years, governments count the people living in their territories, a process called a census. These counts help decide how best to allocate resources and determine political representation. Learn about the surprisingly ancient origins of the census and why this counting process is important to this day.
-
Population Characteristics
Demography is the study of a population, the total number of people or organisms in a given area. Understanding how population characteristics such as size, spatial distribution, age structure, or the birth and death rates change over time can help scientists or governments make decisions. For example, knowing how lion populations have increased or decreased over a period of time can help conservationists understand if their protection efforts are effective while knowing how many seniors or children live in a particular neighborhood can shape the type of activities scheduled at the local recreation center. Select from these resources to teach your students about population characteristics.
-
Demographics
Demography is the study of demographics, the social characteristics and statistics of a human population. This study of the size, age structures, and economics of different populations can be used for a variety of purposes. Political candidates use the information to inform targeted campaigns. Scientists employ the data to answer research questions, and marketing teams use it for advertising purposes. Government and business policymakers use it to craft ideas and plan for the future. Help your students understand demographics with these classroom resources.
-
Calculating Population Density
Students calculate population density in the United States and describe some of the patterns in the results.
-
density
Density is the number of things—which could be people, animals, plants, or objects—in a certain area
-
Introduction to Population Density
Students learn a formula for calculating population density. Then they explore U.S. Census data.