Using Population Pyramids for Critical Thinking ???????

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Using Population Pyramids for Critical
Thinking???????
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Population Pyramids

• America Today

• Population pyramids show the age and sex of a
  population.
• http//www.census.gov/ipc/www/idb/informationGatew
  ay.php
• Source for population pyramids US Census Bureau

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Why are Population Pyramids Important?

• Population pyramids can tell you a countrys
  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 societys main problems can be seen.

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Lets 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.

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Modern China
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Predicted China Pyramid for 2050
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Higher Level Thinking Questions

• How is Chinas 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.

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Using Specific Countries

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

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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.

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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 Japans 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.)

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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.

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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 Nigers 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.

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What can you tell about this American City?

• Source www.ageworks.com

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Classroom Application

• For assistance in setting up an activity in your
  classroom, please contact
• Dustin Alexander
• Dustin.alexander_at_fwisd.org
• I would be happy to collaborate with you in
  getting the best possible assignment for your
  class!