In this lesson, students investigate the global population explosion, based on reports from the United Nations. They analyze why population statistics among developed and less-developed countries vary so widely and discuss the indexes that are used in comparing the "wealth" of different countries. The students are able to conduct their own research on another highly populated country, examining the country's political, social and economic influences on population. The students must participate in in-class discussions as well as represent the data they find in words and graphically.
In a follow-up project, students predict the world population growth in twenty to fifty year increments to the next millennium, based on the current growth rate. This activity could well be the basis of a cross-discipline investigation carried out in conjunction with social studies. In any case, it shows the usefulness of mathematics in understanding an important issue confronting our world.
First Posted: 4/20/2001 4:46:26 PM
Last Submitted: 9/13/2001 11:29:24 AM
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Homesite Description - This resource is contained in the following Web site
New York Times Learning Network
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A free service for students in grades 3-12, their teachers and parents, providing educational resources that are updated daily.
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http://www.nytimes.com/learning/
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