AMERICA TODAY
Population pyramids
show the age and sex
of a population.
 http://www.census.go
v/ipc/www/idb/inform
ationGateway.php
 Source for population
pyramids: US Census
Bureau
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Population pyramids can tell you a country’s
development level.
 They can show you the effects of crisis, war or
disease.
 They can show the effects of government policy.
 Geographical movement patterns like
immigration can be seen.
 Education levels and health care can be
determined.
 A society’s main problems can be seen.
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We will look at China today and then China in
2050.
Look at when the population grows fast and
then shrinks. Think about why.
Look at the male/female differences and the
ages where the differences are the biggest.
Think about why.
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How is China’s population changing?
What can one learn about China by looking at these
pyramids?
Predict some issues that will happen because of
changes in the Chinese population?
Why are some population ages so much bigger than
others?
What male/female trends do you see and what affect
will this have? Justify
What would the pyramid look like if there had been no
one child policy?
Do you agree with the predicted population for 2050?
Justify your reasoning.
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Population pyramids can tell us a lot
about history. Let’s look at Cambodia
and see how historical events relate to the
pyramids.
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Japan is a very developed country with long
life expectancy and really low birth rates.
Look at the next two pyramids and think
about what kinds of major problems Japan
has in its future.
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What major problems will Japan have with its aging
population?
What should the Japanese government do now to
help plan for a future with an aging population?
Justify.
What does this say about Japan’s health care?
What are likely changes needed for retirement in
Japan?
How can so few young people support a society with
so many older people?
What steps can Japan take to change this trend?
(possible solutions could be birth incentives or
allowing immigration.)
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Many African countries have pyramids that
represent problems but for reasons opposite
of Japan. Look at the pyramids for Niger and
think about the issues it has presently and in
the future.
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What does the extreme birth and death rates tell
you about the country?
What problems might Niger have with such a
high growth rate?
How does geography make Niger’s problems
even more severe?
How can a society with so few old people
support so many young people?
What should Niger do to fix these issues? Justify
Should other more developed countries step in
to help a country like Niger? Explain and justify.
What can you tell
about this American
City?
Source:
www.ageworks.com
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For assistance in setting up an activity in your
classroom, please contact:
Dustin Alexander
Dustin.alexander@fwisd.org
I would be happy to collaborate with you in
getting the best possible assignment for your
class!