Lesson Plan

Grades 6-8, 9-12

Mysteries of the U.S. Pyramids

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30 minutes

SUBJECTS: Math, Science, Social Studies

TOPICS: Population Pyramids, U.S. Population Trends/History

Resource Overview

Students construct and interpret population pyramids (age-sex distribution charts) and discuss differences in population characteristics at different points in U.S. history and make projections for the future.

Students will be able to:
  • Calculate percentages using raw numbers for each age/sex group in a given population.
  • Construct a population age/sex distribution graph for one point in U.S. history.
  • Make connections between the shape of a population pyramid graph and factors that may have affected U.S. population patterns at different time periods.
Students compare population pyramids at different points in U.S. to see how the age structure of Americans has changed over time

Features of This Resource

  • Great lesson for U.S. History classes
  • Explores changes in demographics of the United States over time
  • Includes age structure diagrams for the United States at various times in history


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