The
Census
Project
URL: http://www.teachnet-lab.org/ps101/moved%20files/census.htm
How it works:
This lesson will teach students what the census is and why the
2000 census is important. To begin, paper is given to the students for a
fictional art project that will take place later in the day. Purposely
undercount the number of students so that not every child gets a sheet
of paper. When students realize that not every student received paper,
discuss how some people were "cheated" because not everyone
was counted. Then, discuss with students what a census is and why the
2000 census is important.
Have students do research on the census
by going on-line to the U.S. Census Bureau Web site at www.census.gov.
Show the students a real census form, and ask how many have seen and/or
returned one. Again, discuss why the census is important, and what would
happen if there were an undercount.
Standards:
1. Complete an authentic form with appropriate use of language.
2. Write a persuasive speech or essay.
3. Use technology to access information.
4. Analyze data from website to create a bar graph.
5. Design and create a poster to encourage people to return their census
forms.
The students:
The students are in fifth grade. They are heterogeneously grouped
in an average class setting. This lesson is appropriate for students in
grade 3-8.
Overall
value:
This lesson is timely and relevant.
Students should know this information and why it is important. Perhaps
students could educate and encourage their parents to return a census.
Tips
for teachers:
Teachers should be prepared with background knowledge and a copy of the
census. |
About the Teacher:
Barbara Ruszkowski is a fifth grade
teacher at P.S. 101 in Brooklyn, New York. She has been teaching at the
elementary level for twelve years.
Email:barbarar@teachersnetwork.org
Estimated Class Periods To Complete: 6
Subject: Social Studies
Beginning Grade Level: 3
Ending Grade Level: 8 |
