A total of five homework assignments and a single paper are due on the dates indicated in the Course Schedule.
Homework Assignment #4 involves plotting three population pyramids and interpreting the graphs to determine the current and future needs of these populations.
Population pyramids show the age structure of the population of a country or region. Different growth patterns caused by varying cultural values or war events or both help shape the pyramid. These pyramids can then be evaluated to determine the type of social programs that will be useful in the future, or for the next generation. The pyramids are made up of 'Cohorts' or blocks reflecting decade or generational structure. The Cohort structure is used by planners to determine where government funds should be allocated today to serve the needs of tomorrows generation. For example, a 'baby-boom' would suggest that funds should be allocated for school facilities today. These babies will need educational services in the next decade, but it will take an equal time period to collect taxs and build the schools. Similarly, a large 'Cohort' of 10-20 year olds would indicate that additional tax revenues will be available in the future, as a result of this generation having disposable income.
For the following project, draw three population pyramids and, once they are finished, interpret the causes of the varying shapes. Use graph paper and fill in the cohorts by hand first. Then use a spreadsheet program like Excel to plot the cohorts [yet more graphing fun!]. This will allow you to post your results directly into WebTycho.
Go to the very end of the following Web site and get acquainted with the three orange and yellow pyramids that show three patterns of population change.
Then, go to the following Web site to get the data you need to plot the pyramids.
Plot the population pyramids for the following countries: Indonesia, Ethiopia, and the United Kingdom.
When you finish, write a brief essay comparing the three pyramids. Consider historical events, the present population structure and the influence, if any, of the past and the present on future population growth. Compare and contrast these pyramids to answer the following questions. You may use additional information from Internet or library sources as well.