Population Growth

 

Background

 

The United Nations compiles and publishes a yearly report called the Human Development Index. This chart of statistics categorizes all countries based on longevity of its people (life expectancy), knowledge (literacy rate), and standard of living (GDP per capita). If students learn how to interpret these numbers, they can gain greater insight into how economic development, geography, culture, tradition, and politics shape the lives of people in different countries around the world. They will then be able to apply that insight to understanding the challenges facing developing countries and the roles and responsibilities of developed countries.  Below are definitions of the categories most useful to students (taken directly from the October 6, 1997 Scholastic Update classroom magazine):

 

Life expectancy at birth (years): "Life expectancy is the age to which a newborn can expect to live. Advancements in medicine, sanitation, and nutrition have helped people live longer, even in less-developed countries. Increased life expectancy has contributed in part to the sharp rise in the world's population, creating fears of over-crowding and food shortages. In countries with a high rate of infant deaths, average-life-expectancy statistics are obviously lowered. But those infants who do survive may live just as long as people in developed countries."

 

Adult literacy rate (%): "Usually literacy means a reading-and-writing level that suits the nation's labor needs. A high or low literacy rate reflects a country's economic development, as well as the effectiveness -- or existence -- of its public-school system. For most people in less-industrialized nations, literacy may not be as important to a person's livelihood. But social advancement in any nation usually requires an education."

 

Combined first-, second- and third-level gross enrollment ratio (%): This statistic denotes mean years of schooling.

 

Real GDP per capita (PPP$, or purchasing power parity dollars): "This figure is used as a way of comparing the wealth of countries. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the sum value of all goods and services produced within a country in a year. Keep in mind that GDP is only an average; it does not indicate how equitable wealth is distributed. In some nations, wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few people, while the majority live in poverty."

 

Human development index (HDI): "This number was devised by the U.N. as a way to measure economic and human well-being. Ranging from 0 to 1, it combines life expectancy, adult literacy, and purchasing power into a single statistic. Even countries with low per capita GDP may rank high on the HDI- that is, if their people live relatively long, are mostly literate, and generate enough purchasing power to rise above poverty. On the other hand, countries with high per capita GDP may still have low HDI rates. The difference lies in the way national leaders set their priorities and allocate government funds."

 

As for the mathematics involved in the lesson, the teacher should be prepared to be presented with projects that explore exponential growth and decay and involve linear regression and the logistic curve.  Furthermore, the teacher should be learned in the use and application of the TI-83 calculator and its graphing capabilities.  Comfort in the extraction of AIDS data from the Center of Disease Control is essential and also the use of Fathom software.