1. Do you know the current world population? What units did you use in this estimate? What site did you use to locate this information? 2. What is the increase in the world population over the last 10 years? What site did you use to locate this information?

3. Look at the table below. Compare the population growth in the last ten years to the growth between 1950 -1960. How did you compare the growth over different periods of time?

4. Do you think it would be useful to be able to predict future population? Why?

5. Identify factors that influence population growth?

6. Identify possible consequences of population growth.

Part B

Directions: Review the table below that includes the world population for selected years.

Year

1950

1960

1970

1980

1985

1990

1995

1999

Population (billions)

2.555

3.039

3.708

4.456

4.855

5.284

5.691

6.003

U. S. Census Report http://www. census. gov

a. Research the world population growth from 2000-2005, from 2005-2010. Create a table for your data. Provide the site that you used to gather the data.

Part C: Analyze the data

Directions: Answer each of the following questions.

1. How much did the population change between 1950 and 1960? What was the average annual change for that period? Hint: Calculate the changes, then calculate the mean, or average, by dividing by the number of years. State the units clearly. The units are listed on the chart.

2. Repeat question 1 for the period between 1970 and 1980; between 1990 and 1995.

3. Do you think a linear model (or graph) would best illustrate this data? Explain your reasoning.

Part D: Interpret your data

Directions: Answer each of the following questions.

1. Is the average change in population is the same now as it was 50 years ago? Explain your answer.

2. Reflect on the interpretation of your data

3. What should you consider when comparing population growth (or decline) over different intervals of time? Hint: What factors influence population growth or decline? Explain fully and provide examples where needed.