China Big Idea: Population


The country with the most people is used to demonstrate both positive and negative consequences of large population.
China’s geographic characteristics show many similarities with the United States and some differences that have different consequences.
PPT
Clickable PDF
Slides 1-9: Location
comparisons with the
United States - similarities
Population
US Size and Latitude
Slides 10-13: Comparisons
between US and China differences
US Size and Latitude
Great Lakes
Slides 14–18:Effects of
river systems in China
Rivers
Cities
City names
Population
Rice Double
Rice single
Wheat
Corn
Crop Key
Precipitation
Highlands
Population
Highlands
Great Wall
Grand Canal
Rivers
All crops
Silk Road
Cities
Highways
Slides 19-29:
Climate and agriculture
Slides 30-40:
Consequences of large
population
Slides 41-45: Summary
Teacher Notes/Questions
What are some geographic similarities between China
and the US?
Objectives: The student will be able to:


What are two major geographic characteristics of the US
that China doesn’t have?
What are some consequences of the lack of these?

What four river systems flow toward the east coast of
China?
Why have big cities and large concentrations of
population grown up around these rivers?
What climate factors determine areas of food
production in China?
How does the area of production of four major crops
compare with the population distribution in China?
What two geographic advantages does the United States
have for food production? What geographic advantage
does China have for rice production?
Some consequences of a large population are 1) the
ability to accomplish large construction projects; 2) the
likelihood of many inventions and innovations; and 3)
the necessity and ability to establish significant trade
routes and systems


What are some additional consequences of a large
population?
What is the challenge for other countries from China’s
rapid growth?








Compare China and the United States
in size, latitude, and population
Locate cities in China which have
similar locations to Miami, Savannah,
Washington DC, Pittsburg and Reno,
and describe how they are alike.
Explain some advantages for the US of
the Great Lakes and the West Coast.
Describe some consequences for China
without a West Coast or Great Lakes.
Locate the four major rivers in China
Describe the influence of these rivers
on population in China
Locate areas of crop production in
China
Describe the patterns of crop
production and explain climatic
reasons for the patterns
Describe some large construction
projects in China and explain
consequences of each.
List important Chinese inventions.
Name and locate the major trade
route used by the Chinese to get the
resources they needed.
List other consequences of large
populations.
Explain how China’s large population
can challenge other countries.