Lesson Plan

Curriculum Standard:
MS Frameworks
2. Apply spatial and ecological perspectives to people, places, and environment using social studies tools (e.g., timelines, maps, globes, resources, graphs, a compass, technology, primary and secondary sources, charts, etc.). (C, H, E)
h. Analyze information using social studies tools (e.g., graphs, maps, charts, tables, political cartoons, etc.).

Big Idea: Students will compare and contrast population growth in areas that may affect them in their own cultures.

Preparation:
1. The teacher will review bar graphs.
2. The teacher will tell students what bar graphs are used for.
3. The teacher will show the students an example of a bar graph.
4. The teacher will discuss the important parts of a bar graph.

Guidance:
1. The teacher will tell students that they have to compile data to create a bar graph.
2. The teacher will take a quick survey and ask students to raise their hand for their favorite kind of ice cream.
3. The teacher will use the information to create a bar graph.
4. The teacher will have the students to label the bar graph as she or he puts it on the board.

Application:
1. The teacher will pass out bar graphs and have the students read the information about the population increase in South America and North America.
2. The students will compare the population of residents in North and South America from 1990 to the current year, 2009.
3. The teacher will tell students that they will have to create two bar graphs and compare the population of the two continents.

Assessment:
After the students create the two bar graphs and compare the population of the two continents, the students will receive a rubric that will help them to insert all parts of the bar graph which is the x axis label, y axis label, title, bars that represent each year, and units in the y and x axis. After the students receive the rubric, they will complete a survey expressing how clearly they feel the rubric is.