Lesson Title: Evaluating China and Japan’s Population through Pyramids

Name: Jayson Evaniuck, Ridgeway High School, Memphis, Tennessee

Course/Grade Level:AP Human Geography 9-12

Standards:AP Human GeographyII. Population and Migration

A. Knowledge of the geographic patterns and characteristics of the human populations facilitate understanding of cultural, political, economic, and urban systems.

o Analyze population composition Population pyramids are used to project population growth and decline and to

predict markets for goods and services. B. Populations grow and decline over time and space

o Explain contemporary and historical trends in population growth and declineo Evaluate various national and international population policieso Explain the causes and implications of an aging population

Objectives:Students will:Explore how historical, political, economic, and cultural events impact a countries population.

Compare aging populations in China and Japan.

Apply dependency ratio to understanding economic and cultural consequences of zero population growth.

Time: One to Two 50-minute Class Periods

Procedures:IntroductionComplete a vocabulary review with students of the following words: dependency ratio, zero population growth, pro-natal population policies, anti-natal population policies, and demographic momentum, baby-boom, baby-bust. Students may review these words with each other or teacher directed as a class. If the concepts have not been addressed yet, complete a short lecture on them with supporting examples for each.

Activity (See student handout for events and pyramid)Students will be given a series of events (some of them with dates) and blank population pyramids. Students will work on labeling the population pyramid with the events. Have students write in pencil as they will need to correct wrong answers. It may be helpful for students with limited history background to complete effects of WWII for Japan and Great Leap Forward for China as a class while explaining why these events impacted population. Students should finish working through the events and figuring out where they go on the pyramid. During the activity, the teacher should help

correct and guide students work. After 10-15 minutes, go over events as a class to ensure pyramids are annotated properly.

Evaluation (See student handout for pyramids and questions)Students will work through the evaluation question list. This can be done individually or as partners. Teachers have the option of having students write answers or using the questions to guide group or class discussion of the answers. Close the class with discussion and refinement of student conclusions. Resources:All necessary lesson resources are provided.

Background teacher resource for Japan’s population - http://japanjapan.blogspot.com/2010/06/japans-population-structure.html

Student Handouts:Japan Population Pyramid 2011

Statistics Japan. Statistics Bureau, Ministry of International Affairs and Communication. 2011Neatly annotate the following events:1. Declining Birth rates due to Sino-Japanese war (China vs. Japan in1936-1937) 2. Effects of WWII3. Declining Birth rates at the end of WWII4. Postwar Baby Boom5. Children of Postwar Baby Boom have children

6. “the year of Hinoeuma” nearly every 60 years. Superstition says girls born on this year are bad luck.7. Declining population sets in

U.S. Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/population/international/data/idb/informationGateway.php Neatly annotate the following events:1. Great Leap Forward – 1958-1961 (Famine)2. Post Famine Boom3. Children of Post Famine Boom have children4. Impact of One Child Policy – 19795. Gender in balance due to One child policy6. Women live longer7. Demographic Momentum – Impact of 1 child policy

U.S. Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/population/international/data/idb/informationGateway.php

Evaluation/Discussion Questions:1. Why did China’s one child policy lead to fewer girls in the population?

2. Identify two cultural factors that have shaped Japan and China’s population?

3. Identify and explain three political factors shaping both Japan and China’s population.

4. Discuss economic consequences of Japan’s aging population.

5. At current growth rates both Japan and China have aging populations. Japan entered zero population growth at the beginning of the twentieth century followed by China. Discuss how the following concepts relate to Japan or China.

Dependency Ratio

Pronatal Policy

Antinatal policy