Using Population Pyramids for Critical Thinking重要认为在教室

Population Pyramids

AMERICA TODAY

Population pyramids show the age and sex of a population.

http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/idb/informationGateway.php

Source for population pyramids: US Census Bureau

Why are Population Pyramids Important?

Population pyramids can tell you a country’s development level.

They can show you the effects of crisis, war or disease.

They can show the effects of government policy.

Geographical movement patterns like immigration can be seen.

Education levels and health care can be determined.

A society’s main problems can be seen.

Let’s look at China

We will look at China today and then China in 2050.

Look at when the population grows fast and then shrinks. Think about why.

Look at the male/female differences and the ages where the differences are the biggest. Think about why.

Modern China

Predicted China Pyramid for 2050

Higher Level Thinking Questions How is China’s population changing? What can one learn about China by looking at

these pyramids? Predict some issues that will happen because of

changes in the Chinese population? Why are some population ages so much bigger

than others? What male/female trends do you see and what

affect will this have? Justify What would the pyramid look like if there had been

no one child policy? Do you agree with the predicted population for

2050? Justify your reasoning.

Using Specific Countries

Population pyramids can tell us a lot about history. Let’s look at Cambodia and see how historical events relate to the pyramids.

Problem Solving

Japan is a very developed country with long life expectancy and really low birth rates. Look at the next two pyramids and think about what kinds of major problems Japan has in its future.

Problem Solving Questions What major problems will Japan have with its aging

population? What should the Japanese government do now to

help plan for a future with an aging population? Justify.

What does this say about Japan’s health care? What are likely changes needed for retirement in

Japan? How can so few young people support a society

with so many older people? What steps can Japan take to change this trend?

(possible solutions could be birth incentives or allowing immigration.)

Other Problems

Many African countries have pyramids that represent problems but for reasons opposite of Japan. Look at the pyramids for Niger and think about the issues it has presently and in the future.

Problem Solving What does the extreme birth and death rates

tell you about the country? What problems might Niger have with such a

high growth rate? How does geography make Niger’s problems

even more severe? How can a society with so few old people

support so many young people? What should Niger do to fix these issues?

Justify Should other more developed countries step in

to help a country like Niger? Explain and justify.

What can you tell about this American City?

Source: www.ageworks.com

Classroom Application

For assistance in setting up an activity in your classroom, please contact:

Dustin Alexander Dustin.alexander@fwisd.org

I would be happy to collaborate with you in getting the best possible assignment for your class!