Population Density Project
Deadline is Thursday, 11/21. No exception. This
is a Test grade!
Adapted from
http://www.compuhigh.com/demo/geog/lesson11.htm
Lesson Objectives:
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Students will identify areas of the Earth that have high and low
population densities.
Students will synthesize information from two different types of
maps to identify the absolute location of an area of high population
density.
Students will apply prior knowledge about relative locations and
interpret a map key to draw conclusions about population density.
Students will apply knowledge of world population densities to
produce a cartogram displaying the Earth’s high population areas.
Students will compare and contrast land use, natural resources,
major industries and environmental issues in selected areas of high
and low population density.
Students will draw conclusions about how population increases
affect both the economy and resource availability in a given area.
World population is constantly growing. We now have a world population of over 6 billion people. At the current
rates of increase, we will probably see a world population of 12 billion within our lifetimes. Having this many
people on earth has already had wide-ranging effects on the natural environment. Obviously, not all of these people
are spread evenly across the planet. Some areas are more populated than others. Population density is expressed in
the number of people per square kilometer.
This map of population density from 1994 still gives a good picture of the population density of the world today.
Even in areas of low population density, we have changed landscapes to suit our purposes. For example, look at the
Midwestern farming states in the US. These areas were once wild grassland, but the land is now home to a very few
species- corn, soybeans, and wheat. Even though this area has a relatively low population density, humans have
radically altered the landscape there.
The population density of an area can have dramatic effects on its geography. Rivers can be rerouted, mountains
flattened, and ground is paved over to make way for transportation. Pollution also tends to be a problem in areas
with a high population density. In addition to cities as we might traditionally think of them, temporary cities can also
spring up, like shantytowns on the outskirts of major cities, or refugee camps
Assignment – All work must be typed. Title and number each section as it is titled and numbered through the
assignment. You will be given two days in the computer lab to complete all work. (Use your time wisely)
Grading Rubric:
96-100: Answers are correct, complete, and clear; all lesson requirements have been met. All answers are in
complete sentences with correct grammar and spelling.
90-95: Answers are correct, complete, and clear; all lesson requirements have been met. All answers are in complete
sentences and work is spell-checked, but may have a two/three grammatical errors.
80-89: Answers are correct, complete, and clear; all lesson requirements have been met. All answers are in complete
sentences and work is spell-checked, but may have a four/five grammatical errors.
70-79: One or two answers are incorrect. All other answers are factually correct, complete, and clear. All lesson
requirements have been met. All answers are in complete sentences and work is spell-checked, but may have a few
grammatical errors.
60-69: One or two answers are incorrect. All other answers are factually correct but are not written in complete
sentences.
50: Plagiarism - purposeful or mistaken, which will lower your final grade for the course (so be very careful when
posting your work!); lack of effort, disrespect, or attitude (we are here to communicate with you if you don't
understand something); or 9 or more errors; or lesson requirements have not been met.
Research – Make sure you keep a works citied page to reference your findings. Use CIA World Factbook to help
you get started. If you need more help with research, let me know. Use your research to answer the questions below.
Choose an area of high population density and do a bit of research on it. Due 11/19/13 by end of class.
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Which area did you choose?
What is the population density of this area?
What is the total population of this area?
What is the birth rate of this area?
What is the average life expectancy?
How has human settlement affected the natural environment here?
What resources from the natural environment are major factors in the economy?
What are the problems related to high population density in this area? Be specific in
your answer.
Now choose an area of low population density and do a bit of research on it. Due 11/21/13 by end of class.
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Which area did you choose?
What is the population density of this area?
What is the total population of this area?
What is the net migration in this area?
How has human settlement affected the natural environment here?
What do people do for a living here?
Given what you know about this area, do you think it would be possible to raise the
population density in this area? Would there be enough food and resources to
support more population? How much more?
8. Using the research you did on the areas you chose, compare and contrast their land
use, natural resources, major industries, and major environmental issues. How do
you think the difference in population affects these things?
9. Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. The state has attracted large
numbers of people over age 65. Describe how this type of population growth might
strain resources and public services. Give at least 4 examples.