Simple Population Space Usage
Initial Publication Date: April 17, 2013
Summary
Students find current values for world and US populations, the area of Texas, and the size of the average house in the USA. Students then look at ratios to assess land usage.
* Critical thinking questions are needed.
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Learning Goals
Students can look at building size and land use on their campus or in the region.
It advances students' literacy around sustainability issues.
Context for Use
This activity could be used in middle school, high school, developmental, "math for liberal arts", or early in precalculus.
If an internet connection is available, small groups can do this quickly in class.
If an internet connection is available, small groups can do this quickly in class.
Description and Teaching Materials
Students find current values for world and US populations, the area of Texas, and the size of the average house in the USA. Students then look at ratios to assess land usage.
Population Space Usage (Acrobat (PDF) 52kB Mar16 13)
Teaching Notes and Tips
This activity uses the internet to find current population values. Simple ratios lead to critical thinking questions about space requirements and usage.
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Assessment
- Assess the arithmetic ratios constructed.
- Assess the writing and critical thinking displayed in the student's analysis.
- Assess the writing and critical thinking displayed in the student's analysis.
References and Resources
The US Census Bureau maintains online "Population Clocks" and US housing data.