Students analyze the effects of changing population distribution and growth in Texas. They explore and analyze census maps and age distribution graphs. Then they consider possible future trends in the state’s population.
Students analyze the effects of changing population distribution and growth in Texas. They explore and analyze census maps and age distribution graphs. Then they consider possible future trends in the state’s population.
Students view a Texas population map from the 2000 Census and read an introduction explaining that Texas demographics are changing due to immigration and migration. They learn the term “demographics” and then respond to a word cloud prompt by listing the country or countries of origin of immigrants in their own families.
Teacher MovesIntroduce the lesson focus and objectives, highlighting that students will analyze how Texas’s changing population affects the state’s future. Review the word cloud responses, ask students about how many generations their families have been in the United States, and invite volunteers to share any unusual or interesting aspects of their ethnic background.
Students learn that the U.S. conducts a census every ten years and that Texas experienced significant population growth between 2000 and 2010. Using the Texas Demographic Center, they explore interactive census maps by selecting different topics (such as age, education, income, language, and migration), choose one map that reveals an interesting population trend, take a screenshot, and upload it to a shared canvas. They annotate the image by outlining notable areas and writing a brief summary of their observations, then view classmates’ uploaded maps and post reflections on any maps they find particularly interesting or surprising.
Teacher MovesModel how to navigate the Texas Demographic Center site, demonstrating how to change topics, sub-topics, and maps. Provide technical guidance on taking screenshots as needed. Circulate as students explore, prompting them to notice patterns and trends in the data. After students share their annotated maps and reflections, lead a discussion that pushes them to consider possible long-term impacts of the demographic trends they observe.
Students read about why census data matters for government planning, including how population growth rate and age distribution affect needs for schools, healthcare, transportation, and recreation. They read Five Reasons to Complete the 2020 Census to deepen their understanding of how accurate counts support community services. Students then examine two charts showing projected growth of the Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations in Texas through 2050 and the age distribution of these groups, and answer fill-in-the-blank questions about when Hispanics are projected to become the largest population group and which age range represents the highest percentage of the Hispanic population. Finally, they post an explanation of why experts project that Hispanics will become the largest percentage of the Texas population.
Teacher MovesClarify how census data informs decisions about public services and emphasize that Texas has a relatively young population with distinct needs. Optionally direct interested students to the article Scharrer: Demographics tell tale of woe for Texas for a deeper look at how planners use demographic trends. Review student responses to the chart-based questions and their explanations on the discussion wall, and explain that an aging non-Hispanic white population combined with a younger, growing Hispanic population helps account for the projected demographic shift.
Students study a map showing county-level population change in Texas from 2000 to 2010. They then write a summary on a shared wall describing key population distribution trends shown on the map and explaining possible reasons for those trends.
Teacher MovesPrompt students to identify and interpret major patterns on the map, such as areas of growth and decline. Highlight and share strong or insightful student responses with the class, guiding discussion toward trends like population loss in rural regions such as the Panhandle and growth in the Rio Grande Valley and major metropolitan areas, connecting these patterns to factors such as job opportunities and immigration.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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