Needs of the Population

Introduction to Population Pyramids
Author: Samuel D Francés Vázquez
Grade 8

In this lesson, 8th grade students will be introduced to the concept of population pyramids and how these are used to explore different characteristics of the population. Students will address different aspects of National Geography Standard number 9b to compare the structures of populations in different places using key demographic concepts. While reading informational data from the US Census, the students will construct population pyramids to compare the US population at different points in time.

Responding to the Needs of the Population:
A Civic Action Project
Author: Samuel D Francés Vázquez
Grade 8

The purpose of the lesson is to help students learn what a civic action project (CAP) is and how it can be carried out, and to give them the experience of creating and conducting their civic action project
based on an issue or concern of importance to them. The students will be given a menu of options for conducting a Civic Action Project based on things they have learned through their engagement in the first 2 unit lessons, and they will be allowed to select a CAP that is of deepest interest to them and create and carry out a civic action project related to the issue/concern they have selected. When completed, the students will reflect on what they have learned about civic action projects and think about how they can engage CAPs in the future as global citizens.