Shifting Demographics


US History (11th) Contemporary America Shifting Demographics
Students respond to photos of Sun Belt and Rust Belt cities. Then, they study the facts of population shifts from the Rust Belt to the Sun Belt. Next, they examine changing immigration trends in relation to those demographic shifts. Finally, they explore current demographic trends and make predictions.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for Shifting Demographics:

Preview - Scene 1
Exploros Learnign Experience Scene Navigation


Engage


Overview

In this experience, students respond to photos of Sun Belt and Rust Belt cities. Then, they study the facts of population shifts from the Rust Belt to the Sun Belt. Next, they examine changing immigration trends in relation to those demographic shifts. Finally, they explore current demographic trends and make predictions.

Objectives

  • Analyze the population shift from the Rust Belt to the Sun Belt.
  • Explain the changing population of immigrants in the contemporary United States.


The period from the 1970s to the present has seen dramatic changes in demographics—population patterns—in the United States. In this experience, you’ll learn the what, where, and why of the changing demographics of the United States, and you’ll also look at some of the effects.  

Objectives

  • Analyze the population shift from the Rust Belt to the Sun Belt.
  • Explain the changing population of immigrants in the contemporary United States.


view of skyscrapers

Sun Belt: Downtown Houston, 2011


empty multi-story building

Rust Belt: Abandoned auto body plant, Detroit, 2009


Look at the two photos. The first photo shows an image from the Sun Belt in 2011. The second photo shows an image from the Rust Belt in 2009. 


Based on the photos, what do you think the names Sun Belt and Rust Belt mean? 

Post your answer

Use students’ responses as discussion starters.

Be sure to point out that the photographs show very different perspectives on the Rust Belt and Sun Belt. Students may say that there are rusty, abandoned factories in Houston, as well. The images reflect general trends in regions of the United States.

Tell students that they will learn more details, from a more objective slant, in the next scene.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

End of Preview
The Complete List of Learning Experiences in 1970s – End of the Cold War Unit.
Would you like to preview the rest of this learning experience, and get access to the entire functioning US History Since 1877 course for your classroom? Sign up using your school email address below.
Back to top