Activity 2.2: population density

Introduction

This activity introduces students to the concept of population density. This is commonly defined as the number of people per square kilometre. The key understanding for students is that across different locations, there may be differing amounts of people living in the equivalent amount of space.

Resources

• Earth at night – SpatialGenie map layer: students can use this map tool to look at the population density across Australia and throughout the world
• Australian urban expansion: this Geoscience Australia website can be used to show population growth and changes in urban density across a range of towns and cities in Australia

• Activity stepsShow details
  1. Introduce students to the concept of population density, which is commonly defined as the number of people per square kilometre.
  2. Help students to develop the key understanding that across different locations, there may be differing amounts of people living in the equivalent amount of space.
  3. Have students use the Earth at night – SpatialGenie map layer to investigate population density across Australia. This tool also provides students with a good visual understanding of the differing levels of population density throughout the world.
  4. Focusing questions could include:
     • Which areas have the greatest amount of lights?
     • Which areas are dark?
     • What does this tell us about where people live in Australia?
     • What are some other ways that population density could be represented graphically?