Just what is the census for? Using data and census questions, class members explore how officials gather information. Then, they consider how the government uses the answers to determine how it spends its money with a collaborative activity.

Concepts

censuses, the census, government spending, statistics, primary source analysis, primary sources

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the data to explore the kinds of projects the census helps fund with federal dollars
• Extend the learning by asking students to present their findings at home

Classroom Considerations

• Data is from the 2010 census, so it may need to be updated as new information is released

Pros

• Lesson makes statistics relevant and useable for younger learners
• Discussion questions make connections between real-world issues and learning

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.6-8.1 RH.6-8.3 RH.6-8.5 RH.6-8.7 RH.6-8.10