The Demographic Transition Model Activity
Objective
This activity will help you understand the three lines on the demographic transition model. After drawing
graphs, you will use descriptive cards to distinguish characteristics of each phase of the demographic
transition model.
Materials
 Large piece of paper
 Markers (3 different markers)
 Set of description cards
Procedure
1. Draw the x and y axis on your paper. Label the x-axis “time” and the y-axis “birth and death rates
(per 1000 people)”
2. Divide the graph into four equal sections along the x-axis. Label the first section “phase 1”, the
second section “phase 2”, the third section “phase 3” and the fourth section “phase 4”. Use figure
23.1 on page 238 of your textbook as a reference.
3. Draw a colored line to represent the birth rate in each phase
A. Draw the birth rate curve through phase 1
B. Draw the birth rate curve through phase 2
C. Draw the birth rate curve through phase 3
D. Draw the birth rate curve through phase 4
4. Using a different color, draw a line to represent death rates
A. Draw the death rate curve through phase 1
B. Draw the death rate curve through phase 2
C. Draw the death rate curve through phase 3
D. Draw the death rate curve through phase 4
5. Identify the greatest gap between the two lines and explain what it means for population growth
below.
6. Using a third color, draw a line to represent population size
A. Draw a population line through phase 1
B. Draw a population line through phase 2
C. Draw a population line through phase 3
D. Draw a population line through phase 4
7. On your graph, identify when exponential growth begins. Then discuss why it is important for
countries to move out of phase 2 quickly.
8. Arrange the description cards on your graph, categorizing the cards under the appropriate phase.
Phase 1
The population grows very slowly or remains at
a stable growth rate because of high death rates
and high birth rates
Phase 2
To compensate for high infant mortality, the
population experiences high birth rates
Phase 3
Population grows rapidly because birth rates
remain high and death rates drop due to
improved medical care, sanitation and food
production
Phase 4
Population growth begins to slow and then
level off as low birth rates and low death rates
cancel each other out
Post Industrial
Population growth approaches zero and then
declines as birth rates equal death rates and
then fall below death rates
Transitional
Pre-Industrial
Offers a subsistence economy where child labor
is valued and increased family size is an
economic advantage. Life expectancy is short
and infant mortality rates are high
Population momentum will cause a period of
high growth because it takes at least one
generation for people to adjust to reduced
infant mortality
Industrial
High levels of affluence and economic
development. High numbers of elderly people
may create a tax burden
Growth rate is low or zero
Large numbers of children become a financial
burden rather than an asset. More time is spent
pursuing education and availability of birth
control allows people to have smaller families.
Growth rate is zero or negative
Country: Lesotho
(CBR=28, CDR=14.91)
Growth rate is low or zero
Country: India
Growth rate is very high
Country: Germany
Country: United States