Population Pyramids

This activity will help you meet this educational goal:
You will analyze trends in population density and migration.

Directions
Read the instructions for this self-checked activity. Type in your response to each question, and check your answers. At the end of the activity, write a brief evaluation of your work.

Activity
In this activity, you will compare the demographics of the United States and Kenya.

Part A
Question
Select all the correct answers.
Which two conclusions can you draw about the United States based on the population pyramid?

The United States is primarily an agricultural economy.
The United States needs to prepare for an aging population.
The United States has access to a reliable food supply.
Correct!
Explanation:

People’s life expectancy rises when there are adequate medical facilities and they have nutritious food. The population pyramid reveals that the United States has a large number of younger and older people.

Part B
Question
Select the correct answer.
Study the following population pyramid for Kenya, a nation in Africa. Based on the pyramid, which age group is the majority in Kenya?

younger people
middle-aged people
older people
Correct!
Explanation:

The age group from birth to 35 years is greater than the age group above 35 years.

Part C
Based on the population pyramid in part B and what you learned earlier in the lesson, write three to four sentences on the population trends in Kenya.

Space used (includes formatting): 0 / 30000
Part D
The US Census Bureau keeps records of the percentage of the population under age 5 and over age 65 for the nation and for your state. Find the data for your state and answer the following questions:

What is the most recent percentage of the population under 18 in the United States and in your state? Do these numbers seem high or low? Explain your response.
Review the percent change in population over five years for your state. Based on what you learned in the lesson, name two possible conclusions you might draw from this number.

Space used (includes formatting): 0 / 30000
Self-Evaluation
How did you do? Rate your work on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 as the highest score. Then write a brief evaluation of your work below. Note what you learned and what challenged you.

Space used (includes formatting): 0 / 30000

1 answer

Part C: Population Trends in Kenya

Kenya's population pyramid indicates that the country has a predominantly young population, with a significant proportion of individuals under the age of 35. This trend suggests that Kenya has a high birth rate, leading to a large youth demographic. Additionally, the smaller percentage of older individuals indicates lower life expectancy and potentially limited access to healthcare services. This youthful population creates opportunities for economic growth but also poses challenges in terms of providing education and employment for the growing number of young people.


Part D: Data Analysis

What is the most recent percentage of the population under 18 in the United States and in your state? Do these numbers seem high or low? Explain your response.

The most recent percentage of the population under 18 in the United States is approximately 22%, while in [Your State], it is around [State Percentage]%. These numbers might seem fairly typical, as they fall within a range that indicates a balanced youth demographic in relation to the entire population. If the number is significantly higher or lower than the national average, it may indicate specific social, economic, or migration trends that are affecting the youth population in that state.

Review the percent change in population over five years for your state. Based on what you learned in the lesson, name two possible conclusions you might draw from this number.

The percent change in population over the last five years in [Your State] is [Percent Change]%. This could indicate a growing economy attracting new residents or it could also reflect migration patterns where people are moving away. A positive change could suggest that more jobs and opportunities are being created, while a negative change might point to issues such as lack of employment, higher living costs, or an aging population leading to lower numbers of younger individuals investing in the area.


Self-Evaluation

I would rate my work a 4 out of 5. I was able to effectively analyze the population pyramids for both the United States and Kenya, identifying key trends in demographics. I learned about the implications of having a youthful population versus an aging population and how these trends can affect economic and social policies. One challenge I faced was finding the specific population statistics for my state; it required extra effort to navigate the data sources effectively. Overall, this activity expanded my understanding of demographic trends and their significance in shaping national policies.

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