Challenge: Demographer

The world is changing every day. One of the major ways that it changes is through population change -- the increases and decreases in the number of humans and animals in certain places, regions, or the entire world. Mathematics provides us with a set of tools, called models, that helps us to understand and make predictions about changing populations.

A demographer is someone who uses models like these to study population change. In this project, you'll become a demographer for a population of your choosing. Watch the video below to learn more.

If you want to see an example of what your final project will look like, you can see my Example Study.

Step 1: Choosing What to Study

The more interested you are in your chosen population, the more you'll learn from this project. The first thing you should do is discuss this project with a friend or family member, to get some ideas for interesting study topics. Make sure to choose a population that interests you!


Once you've done that, please complete the Progress Check: Friends & Family Discussion.

Step 2: Collecting Population Data

Now it is time to collect the data you'll use to study population change. I recommend that you use one of the databases below to find reliable information about various populations over time.

If you're not sure what population to choose, consider discussing this project with friends and family first!


For Human Populations:


For Animal Populations:

Step 3: Beginning Your Report

Your final product for this Mission will be a written report that predicts the size of your chosen population in the Year 2050. The document below provides a template for that report. To use this template, click below and select "File" > "Make a copy..."

You will complete this mission by submitting your final report to your teacher.

Demographer Project: Final Template

Step 4: Demonstrate Mastery

You will be ready to move on from this Introductory level once you have:

  1. Completed the Progress Check: Friends & Family Discussion.
  2. Can clearly explain your choice of population.
  3. Identified the size of your population in both the year 2000 and in another year of your choosing.
  4. Properly cited the source of your data.
  5. Shared your document with your teacher. This is essential!

Ready to advance to Level 1? Complete the self-assessment below, and then move on!