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The Population Clock

Introduction:

How many people are there in the United States? How many people will there be in 10 years? Too many? Will there be enough food and living space for everyone?

Task:

You will analyze data from various web sites and draw conclusions based on these statistics using a spreadsheet or graphing calculator.

Resources:

You will need Internet clearance to complete this activity.

You will need a spreadsheet program or graphing calculator to complete this activity.

Process:

  • Go to the Census Bureau Homepage. Record the population, date, and time for the nation in a spreadsheet (Excel) or a Stat Plotter (TI-82+).
  • You will need to get population data at 10 different times that are all at least 5 minutes apart.
  • Use other web sites to research questions and retrieve data.

Evaluation:

Questions to be answered in a Word document: (Be sure to include the URL of the web site that you found the answer to these questions.)

1. Is this the "actual" population count? Explain how this number was determined.

2. What is Bellingham's most recent documented population? What is the URL (location) you were in when you determined this answer?

3. What is the name of the director of the Census Bureau?

4. What are the "fastest growing occupations"? What could contribute to the increase in this profession? What is the URL (location) you were in when you determined this answer? The Bureau of Labor and Statistics is a great place to search for occupational growth statistics.

5. What percent of Consumer Expenditures is for food? for transportation? URL(location)?hint: There is a search feature within the Census Bureau's web site. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics also has a search feature. There are even Consumer Expenditure Surveys found within this site (look for news releases).

6. What is the ratio, (rounded to the nearest whole number) of female to male custodial parents (as of 1992)? URL (location) used? hint: this information deals with "child support".

7. What percent of mothers receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children was never married? URL (location) used? Hint: try searching for AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children).

8. Return to the Census Bureau Homepage. What is the population of the nation now (unless you already have 10 data points)?

9. Use the population data of the United States that you gathered.

Conclusion:

10. Using your equation, predict what the population will be in 25, 50, and 100 years.

11. Using your equation, predict how long until the population will be 1,000,000,000,000 people (a trillion).

12. Do you think we have cause for concern about the population? Why or why not?

Extra Credit #1: Research the amount of Aid to Families with Dependent Children given in Bellingham. How does this number compare with the National average? The AFDC site lists information on various parts of the country. Your data can be from the South/Central region, or you could discuss metropolitan areas in general. Report why this trend is present. This information may be difficult to find on the Internet. You may need to contact the local government agencies by telephone or letter.

Extra Credit #2: Explain in detail why this equation works for changing dates and times to decimal form.

Lesson courtesy of...

Susan Boone sboone@cs.rice.edu Saint Agnes Academy

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