Students will explore U.S. census data to see the spatial differences in the United States’ population. The activity uses a web-based map and is tied to the AP Human Geography benchmarks. Learning outcomes:· Unit 2, A1: Geographical analysis of population (density, distribute and scale)· Unit 2, A3: Geographical analysis of population (composition: age, sex, income, education and ethnicity)· Unit 2, A4: Geographical analysis of population (patterns of fertility, mortality and health)Find more advanced human geography geoinquiries and explore all geoinquiries at http://www.esri.com/geoinquiries

Author: Joseph Kerski, post_secondary_educator, Esri and University of DenverGrade/Audience: high school, ap human geography, post secondary, professional developmentResource type: lessonSubject topic(s): population, maps, citiesRegion: africa, asia, australia oceania, europe, north america, south america, united states, worldStandards: All APHG population tenets. Geography for Life cultural and population geography standards. Objectives: 1. Understand how population change and demographic characteristics are evident at a variety of scales in a variety of places around the world. 2. Understand the whys of where through analysis of change over space and time. 3. Develop skills using spatial data and interactive maps. 4. Understand how population data is communicated using 2D and 3D maps, visualizations, and symbology. Summary: Teaching and learning about demographics and population change in an effective, engaging manner is enriched and enlivened through the use of web mapping tools and spatial data. These tools, enabled by the advent of cloud-based geographic information systems (GIS) technology, bring problem solving, critical thinking, and spatial analysis to every classroom instructor and student (Kerski 2003; Jo, Hong, and Verma 2016).