Population Growth

How quickly is the human population changing? Check out this world map timeline to get a sense of world population growth. Do you think that the population growth rate is too fast? Why?

Let's look at some maps and charts to better understand the issues.

• Look at the map and observe the differences in Population Growth Rate in different parts of the world. Then answer the questions below the map in the left box. Click on the 'Check Your Answer' to see correct answers in the right box. If you don't understand the answers (or questions) ask Professor Lewis for some more explanation.
• Do the same thing for the Population Momentum chart.
  

Now let's do an activity based upon the Nova program, "World in Balance." Everyone will be working in groups of three for this activity.

1. In the handouts, each group will choose one country from each continent. We will make a list of all of the countries on the screen.
   
2. Assume a starting population of 50. Do the population growth calculations for each country as described on the second page of the handouts.
3. Once each population has doubled, stop the calculations.
4. Report the amount of time it took for each country's population to double to Professor Lewis.
   
5. Graph the population data (like we have been doing each class) for each country.
6. Why do you think different countries have different growth rates?
   

UN Population Data