The population density is derived by dividing the number of people by the area they occupy. This lesson focuses on the spatial distribution of the population density of the United States at different levels of scale.
Geographers use maps as tools to discern patterns and to understand why things are where they are.
Students will create maps showing the population density of the U.S. at different scales. This will enable students to organize spatial information in categories, analyze the information, and draw conclusions. Upon completing the lesson, the student will be able to solve geographic problems by producing and interpreting maps and other graphic representations. Encourage students to suggest ideas for accurately locating the greatest concentrations of people. Help students develop a definition of population density.