Unit 3 Lesson 1: Where are the People?

Population Distribution
and Density

Big Ideas of the Lesson

People are not evenly distributed across the Earth. Some places on the Earth are densely populated and some are
sparsely populated.

Population density refers to the number of people in a defined area such as a square mile.

The distribution and density of people on the Earth is related to differences in geographical features, resources, and the
availability of things such as jobs, food, water, and transportation.

Lesson Abstract:
In this lesson students are introduced to demography through activities relating to population distribution and population density.
Students first calculate the population density of the United States if the entire worlds population were placed within it. Then,
they analyze a population density map of the United States to explore how people are unevenly distributed across the Earth.
They build on this information to shade in a world map predicting where the areas of greatest population density are located.
Finally, students explore regional and national population statistics through maps and data.

Content Expectations:

6 G1.1.1; G1.2.3
6 - G1.3.1; G1.3.2; G3.2.2

Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History and Social Studies: RH.6-8.7

Key Concepts
demography
population density
population distribution