The U.S. Census Bureau and its Statistics in Schools (SIS) program offer a number of tools that students can use to access data. Students can find city- or state-specific information about their birthplace, current place of residence, or ideal future hometown, for example. Using these tools, students and teachers can see data on housing,…

"Place" is a central concept in geography. Geographers focus considerable attention on describing and understanding the nature of places and variations from one place to another. The collection of data and the measurement and analysis of the characteristics of a place requires that its boundaries are defined. How and where we draw…

Shows how census data illustrated in pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs, and a map can be used in teaching students to read and interpret large amounts of information about the community, state, and country. Provides examples from "An Advance Look at the 1990 Census" (World Eagle) and suggests activities and discussion questions. (LS)

The document contains two components--a population reference newsletter focusing on census-related information and a module to help high school and college students understand census objectives, procedures, and uses. The newsletter presents general background on the census, offers annotations of census materials from the Population Reference…

Reviews how census data are used every day to make decisions in businesses, government agencies, and community organizations. Identifies key tools used in demographic analysis, suggesting applications of demographic data at a local level. Concludes with ideas for student activities, including guidelines for creating a community profile. (LS)

Argues that using census data allows students to practice doing history, and points out the growing importance of quantitative social history as a rationale for including more census data in history courses. Describes information to be found in various census products, suggesting ways history teachers might use census data in the classroom. (LS)

Describes a strategy to teach research skills using U.S. census data and microcomputers. Outlines a data-entry system which can be used to verify large amounts of information. States that students will be able to learn commands for more complicated manipulation of data. May be used with any good relational database software package. (KO)

This packet is designed to aid teachers of Adult Basic Education Programs conduct census education/participation programs. The objective is to rectify the census undercount problem, especially among minorities. The document is presented in five chapters. Chapter I focuses on the census in perspective. Chapter II discusses the 1980 census and…

Uses microfilm copies of the 1880 and 1900 census records which tallied information about Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family to teach about using census data. Suggests activities that develop vocabulary skills, teach document analysis, utilize map skills, and require research and synthesis skills. (LS)

This lesson plan is designed for use by vocational agricultural instructors and students. Its primary purpose is to acquaint students with statistical data that will have an impact on their future work in agriculture. This lesson plan is divided into two parts. The first part covers background information on the agricultural census, its use, and…

This publication contains four lesson plans to assist teachers in instructing their students about the census of agriculture and its uses. Designed primarily for vocational agricultural classes, the lesson plans may also have applications in math, social studies, and journalism or writing classes. Teachers do not need specialized knowledge about…

This document contains teaching materials on the 1980 census data for use with secondary level students. The primary objective of the materials is to give students a statistical snapshot of their country as it is today after a decade of change. They will also help students develop skills in analyzing maps and charts. The materials consist of the…

Gives a brief history of the U.S. census. Outlines attempts to make the 1990 census the most accurate in history by using a computerized mapping system, and describes special efforts to count the homeless and the transient populations. Suggests how educators may adapt materials offered by the government to their classrooms. (LS)

Examines the importance of the census to the management of a democratic government. States that the census has historically served as a means for apportioning representatives among the states and preventing corruption in political representation. Provides suggestions for teaching about the census in government classes. (LS)

Using the U.S. Bureau of the Census's National Travel Survey as the primary data source, the exercises described will help high school or college level students develop basic geographic skills, including data interpretation, map construction, and spatial analysis. They will also familiarize students with broad patterns of recreation travel. (RM)