Analyzing a Population Density Map

This activity is appropriate during a unit on U.S. geography and to help build map analysis skills. For grades 5-8. Approximate time needed is 20 minutes.

Students can complete the activity individually, in pairs, or as a full class. Direct students to begin the activity by taking a minute to examine the map. They should then proceed to answer the questions that follow, which will guide them through the process of document analysis.

This map shows details about the United States population density following the 2010 Census. It was created by the Census Bureau following the decennial count of the U.S. population in 2010. It includes details on the people per square mile by county (or equivalent) throughout the United States. In addition, it includes details related to population growth and certain demographics.

Students should answer the questions below the map, which will guide them through the process of map analysis:

• Meet the document.
• Observe its parts.
• Try to make sense of it.
• Use it as historical evidence.

If necessary, check in with your students at each step in the process and model analysis if required. Remind students to zoom in/zoom out to see the full extent of the map.

After students have answered all of the analysis questions, they should click on “When You’re Done.” Facilitate a class discussion based on the question:

• What is the most surprising detail you learned about the United States through this map? Explain.