Activity 2.1: population size, demographics

Introduction

This activity introduces students to the geographical concept of demography. The class creates a working definition of demographics, which focuses on the idea that groups of people can be broken up into smaller groupings such as sex, age, cultural background and nationality, education level and household income. Students create a simple demographic picture of their local area.

Resources

Statistical information could be sourced from local council information, local papers and real-estate websites.

• Activity stepsShow details
  1. As a whole class, have the students create a working definition of demographics. This should focus on the idea that groups of people can be broken up into smaller groupings such as sex, age, cultural background and nationality, education level and household income.
  2. Have students create a simple demographic picture of their local area.
  3. Focusing questions could include:
     • What is the population of your local area?
     • What are some different ways that you could create smaller groupings out of the total population?
     • How could you divide your population into different ages?
     • How many people of each age range live in your local area?
     • What different cultural groups are represented in your local area?