1. Unit 3: Changing Populations Get to Mississippi Mills…STAT!
Canadian War Museum
Gr. 9 Geography (Applied)
CGC1P
Unit 3: Changing Populations Get to Mississippi Mills…STAT!

2. Why study a community’s population?
Who uses this information?
Government officials:
Plan services such as roads, hospitals, recreational facilities
Businesses
Plan location of new stores
Social services
Determine need for daycares, shelters, retirement homes
Educators
New schools and programs
Media
Choose news programs, target commercials to audiences

3. But what about...YOU?
You too can make a difference in your community...
But HOW?
How can understanding the population distribution of Mississippi Mills help YOU to create a stronger community?

4. Review Remember: Where can you find Census information?
Where do we find population statistics?
What are some different “characteristics” that are surveyed?
Where can you find Census information?
Go directly to
Go to Ms. Douwes’ Weebly (unit 3) to link directly to census information

5. Let’s Investigate
According to the 2011 Census, what are some important national trends?
View brief Statistics Canada – National Trends videos:
On a piece of paper:
Title: 2011 Census National Trends
4 Subtitles (with room in between each):
Population Trends
Age & Gender Trends
Family Trends
Language Trends
Fill in 2 trends for each of the above subtitles

6. National Population Trends
What population trends can we identify in Canada?

7. AGE & GENDER TRENDS in CANADA
What age & gender trends can we identify in Canada?

8. National Family Trends
What trends can we identify around FAMILIES in Canada?

9. National Language Trends
What trends can we identify around LANGUAGE in Canada?

10. Get to Mississippi Mills...STAT
How can we anticipate that Mississippi Mills’ trends will compare with Canada’s?
In your groups, discuss the 4 categories identified by the census, and consider how Mississippi Mills might compare (5 mins).
Population
Age & Sex (Gender)
Family
Language
Now let’s compare...look at 2011 Census Data Table
In your groups, make note of any significant differences at the bottom of the table

11. Get to Mississippi Mills...STAT
Population Pyramids:
Geographers use population pyramids to learn more about a population and what services that group may need in the future. They also use population pyramids to help compare the populations of different countries.

12. Get to Mississippi Mills...STAT!

13. Your Turn
Create a Population Pyramid to highlight the age characteristics of Mississippi Mills vs. Canada.
On graph paper, draw two lines in the middle to make upside-down T
Label age groups in between the vertical lines, from 0-4 years up to 85+ years (you will need 17 rows)
Label the horizontal lines (beginning at 0 in the middle and moving out in increments of 5)
Label the left horizontal line Mississippi Mills; label the right horizontal line Canada
Fill in the chart using the data from the table provided
Colour & title your pyramid (Populations of Mississippi Mills & Canada by Age, 2011)

14. Get to Mississippi Mills...Stat!
What can we conclude about the age distribution of Mississippi Mills, given our population pyramids?

15. Brainstorming Activity
Group Activity
Use “placemats” to consider how Almonte is/or could be meeting needs of aging population
8-10 minutes – individually – brainstorm as many responses as you can to the question: how could Almonte meet the needs of its aging population?
Think of services, businesses, recreational activities etc.
5 minutes – as a group – create a Top 5 List
Now, check off those things that you believe Mississippi Mills is doing already

16. Brainstorming Activity con’t.
Ok...but if we focus solely on our aging population, who are we not supporting?
(Think in terms of pros & cons)

17. Brainstorming Activity
Group Activity
Use “placemats” to consider how Mississippi Mills could better meet the needs of its youth
8-10 minutes – individually – brainstorm as many responses as you can to the question: how could the town of Mississippi Mills better meet the needs of its youth?
Think of services, businesses, recreational activities etc.
5 minutes – as a group – create a Top 5 List
We will present these ideas to the our council representative

18. Bringing it all together...
Your task:
Draft an (or an alternative communication piece) to our mayor outlining the following:*
Trends in population distribution in Mississippi Mills
How Mississippi Mills is meeting the needs of its aging population
How Mississippi Mills could better serve the needs of its youth
Due date: Friday November 29
* you may also choose to create an audio or video file that shares the same information