Data on age and sex composition are some of the most basic statistics a nation can collect about its people. They are determined by births, deaths, and migration and, in turn, affect other demographic characteristics such as fertility rates and regional changes in population (increases or decreases). In fact, both of these are the two constants…

The study of world population integrates so many themes and disciplines in the social studies because it encompasses all of human history--the rise of agriculture and civilizations, scientific progress, territorial conflicts, changing gender roles and more. It is also at the heart of human geography and how people came to dominate and alter the…

Addresses the issue of heavy immigration to the United States from Latin America and Asia in the past two decades. Includes demographic data and an analysis of changing patterns of diversity. Poses challenges for educators related to institutional responses, overcoming stereotypes, and goals of assimilation versus acculturation. (DSK)

A history of suffrage in the United States and an examination of voting percentages of the population in recent years show that large groups in our country do not vote. Antiquated voter registration laws prevent members of our highly mobile population from exercising their right to vote. (AV)

The case study of Hawaii illustrates how populations change; the consequences of population change for individuals, families, societies, and the environment; and the complexity of developing policies to deal with problems associated with population change. Activities include small group discussions, research, role play, and graph, photograph, and…

Provides charts, statistics, and commentary. Explores topics suggested by the United Nations Year of the Child: (1) "Children of the World: Rights and Realities," (2) "Children and Population Change," (3) Educating the World's Children," (4) "Family Life of American Children," (5) "Children Bearing Children: Teenage Pregnancy in the U.S.," and (6)…

Presents classroom materials developed by the Population Reference Bureau for use by teachers and students in exploring population trends, urban development, immigration patterns, demographic shifts, and relationship of human beings to their environments. Included are graphs, charts, tables, and maps. (Author/DB)

Addresses the results of the 2000 U.S. Census, focusing on data that examines population by race. Includes two tables related to population: (1) "Resident Population of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico; and (2) "Apportionment Population and Number of Representatives, by State." (CMK)

Examines the relationships of development, technology, and population growth, discusses learning and teaching about population, and annotates resource materials for teachers to use. (CK)

This essay, intended for use with secondary grade students, describes the current world situation regarding food and population and discusses likely prospects for feeding a hungry and growing population. Student resources for further reading and research are provided. A separate teaching guide is included. (RM)

Considers the global effects of a rapidly growing population combined with dwindling natural resources and how these issues might be addressed in the classroom. Includes a population education lesson plan, guiding principles, list of resources, and suggested activities. (MJP)

Describes a unit on demographics for a high school world-history course that addresses questions of uneven population growth and the "problem of global overpopulation." Provides a detailed outline of the two-day unit including unit and daily goals and objectives, daily activities and questions, and ideas for further student research. (DSK)

Maintains that in the face of today's largely negative debate over immigration, reading fiction about immigrants can provide students with historical background, empathy, and an understanding of different perspectives. Notes that people's reasons for wanting to come to the United States remain fairly constant. Includes a five-item annotated…