Lesson plan for calculating the population of China

Lesson plan for calculating the population of China by Mathematical method
Grade Level: 7-12
SUBJECT: Mathematics

In this statistics lesson, students focus on China's population growth. They graph data on graph paper using a graphing calculator or spreadsheet software. Students predict future population numbers and decide if the population growth is linear or exponential. Students analyze the data they collect and write equations that match their graph. Resources include Web sites with current and archived population data, government sites, and mathematical sites with interactive graphs comparing linear and exponential functions. Math extensions are made to other linear and exponential growth situations that exist in the real world.

Objectives :

Students will:
• Graph data.
• Interpret and evaluate the data.
• Extrapolate future data from current graphs.
• Differentiate between linear and exponential functions.
• Explore other practical situations, and determine if they demonstrate linear or exponential growth (or decay).

Student Prerequisites:

I will provide the knowledge of basic math applications, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to my students. Students will know the difference between linear and exponential growth functions. Students will also be able to plot data points and make line graphs of data using graph paper, a graphing calculator, or if available, spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel.

Materials:
• notebook paper
• pens
• pencils
• markers
• graph paper
• poster board
• calculator (preferably graphing, like a TI-92)
• rulers

Computer Resources:
Student will need at least one computer with Internet access to complete this lesson.

Software:
• Any Word Processing Program (i.e.Microsoft Word)
• Any spreadsheet software (i.e. Microsoft Excel).

Important websites address:

• I am giving some internet sites to collect the data about population of china.

•Population.com
http://www.population.com/
Here is some current information about population in 200 countries around the world.

•China Population Information and Research Center (CPIRC)
http://www.un.org/Depts/escap/pop/china/welcome.htm

CPIRC is the leading unit of the China Population Information Network , a member of the Asia and Pacific POPIN, and the Global POPIN. This Home Page is designed to provide accessible information about its organizations, tasks, publications, Data User Service, and other related issues.

•Introduction to China
http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/gyzg/default.htm

This site provides links to geographic, historic, and population data of China.

•China Data Center - University of Michigan
http://www.umich.edu/~iinet/chinadata/stat/

This is an interdisciplinary center for China data development, GIS researches, and spatial studies. Click on "population" and then "Fourth National Census."

•Statistics on China
http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact99/102.htm
Population Reference Bureau
http://www.prb.org/

A site providing timely and objective information on population.

Steps:

Time Allotment: This lesson requires approximately 3 class periods.
I will-
• Divide the class into group of 4-5 students to encourage the team work.
• Clear the concepts of linear and exponential growth functions.
• Show the use of Excel or graphing calculators to graph data.
• Students will collect data on China's population for the past few decades.
• Students will record data in a table (either using spreadsheet software or making a neat chart using a ruler and paper).

I will explain to the students three types of graph- Bar graph, Pie graph and Pictorial graph. Students will Graph the data using graph paper and ruler. Making a line graph with population vs. time, plotting points for each piece of data, and then connecting the points with straight lines. They will find out if there is a noticeable trend in the graph. Does the population growth appear to be an exponential or linear pattern?

At the last I will Conduct a class discussion about general findings, observations, and any surprises from the research.

Method:
How To Make A Bar Graph

Enter Data
1.In Column A type in labels for our data. In Column B type in the data.

Like in column A students will write years of population and in column B they write population in millions.

( A.) Make Bar Graph:
1. Select all of our entries in Column A and B.

2. Go to Options, select Make Chart.
3. A window will appear with the different types of graphs.
4. Select Bar and consider the different options at the bottom of the window.
They will see which ones enhance their graph.
5. First go to Axes, notice that y-axis is selected. They will type a name for the y- axis i.e. population of China in millions.

6. Then select x-axis. They will type a name for the x-axis i.e. name of years(1960).

7. Now they will be ready to make their graph. Select OK.

(B)Make a Pie Graph:

1.For the same data students will select Pie graph from the chart.

2.Students will go to Series then select Label data. They have 3 choices.
Here data will present in percentage and they can also select color option.

3.Now they are ready to make their Pie chart. Select OK.

(C)Pictogram:

From chart menu select Pictogram.

Select Pictogram and consider the different options at the bottom of the window.

Then students will go to Series, check repeating.

1.Their graphic will be still be available for pasting from the clipboard.
2.Then click one time on the arrow and paste. Like below.

3.Now they are ready to make their graph. Select OK.

*Students can also draw the graph in graph paper. Using scale and pencil.

Conclusion:
So by this way students will know the various methods like use of internet, making excel sheet and drawing different types of graph, making the project and also in collecting the data they will get very useful information about the population of China or any other country.

By Sharad Chandra Shukla