This exercise utilizes census tract data in a simulated research project. Students become aware of their own geographic areas by applying census data to a topographical map, thereby determing age, soundness, and occupancy of housing units. (JB)

It is important for students to have a feel for some of the key numerical and size characteristics of their country, and often graphic blackline masters permit easier, quicker learning than many chapters of text. For this purpose maps, tables, and graphs depicting various characteristics of the United States' population have been compiled in this…