Shifting Demographics

Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century Shifting Demographics
Students make observations about the “Nighttime Map” of U.S. population distribution in the year 2000. Then they describe the U.S. population density from 1790 to 2010 based on an animated map. Next they use an interactive demographic map to answer questions about the U.S. population in 2019. Then they use another interactive demographic map to explore a demographic topic of their own choosing. Finally they learn about the purpose of the U.S. census and create a poster encouraging people to respond to the census questionnaire.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Here are the teacher pack items for Shifting Demographics:

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Overview

In this experience, students make observations about the Nighttime Map of U.S. population distribution. Then they describe the U.S. population density from 1790 to 2010 based on an animated map. Next they use an interactive demographic map to answer questions about the U.S. population in 2020. Then they use another interactive demographic map to explore a demographic topic of their own choosing. Finally they learn about the purpose of the U.S. census and create a poster encouraging people to respond to the census questionnaire.

Estimated duration: 45-60 minutes, depending on how much time you allot for students to explore the interactive maps

Vocabulary words:

  • density
  • demographics
  • refugee
  • recalculate
  • statistic
  • census
  • facility

Objectives

  • Examine population maps and explain shifts over the last three hundred years
  • Analyze where Americans live today
  • Describe the ethnic and racial composition of American society


Engage


The United States has one of the largest populations in the world. It ranks third, after India and China. However, people are not spread evenly across the country. Population density measures the average number of people living in a certain amount of land. Some parts of the United States have very high population density, while others have far fewer people.

In this lesson, you will examine different characteristics of the U.S. population near the end of the twentieth century. You will also learn how different types of population maps can help show where people lived and how the population was changing.

Objectives

  • Examine population maps and explain shifts over the last three hundred years
  • Analyze where Americans live today
  • Describe the ethnic and racial composition of American society


A nighttime visual of the United States with colorful lights in parts of the country where people live.

Nighttime Map of the United States


Look at the Nighttime Map of the U.S.


What do you notice about the map? What stands out to you?


Summarize student observations. If not covered in their posts, ask students:

  • Which regions of the United States are most populated? [the eastern half, especially the Northeast and the Atlantic coast, and the West coast]
  • What do the whitest areas on the map represent? [the whitest areas are the most densely populated areas, the major cities]


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.


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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in The United States in the 20th Century Unit.
Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century Shifting Demographics
Shifting Demographics
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Continuity and Change in a New Century
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Postwar Prosperity: The Origin of the Teenager
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The Civil Rights Movement
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The United States in the 20th Century: Vocabulary
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