Population Bomb: Is Population Control the Answer?

Country:

India

Grades:

All grades

Author:

Alexia Weitzel
Lesson Builder User

SECTIONS

Questions for "The Unrealized Horrors of Population Explosion" (Video)

At the time, was it right to “punish” people for having more children?
What would be some more humane ways to control population other than mandatory mass sterilization?
Why is there some concern that the world may be running out of people?

Questions for "The Unrealized Horrors of Population Explosion" (Article)

What was “population bomb” prediction in the 1960s and 70s?
Do you agree with Ehrlich’s hypothesis? Explain.
How did the world combat this problem of overpopulation?
Given the data, would Ehrlich change his mind today?

Questions for "The Population Bomb that Wasn't"

What does “the difference between population as a cause rather than a symptom" mean?
Why could the problem be access to resources? Explain.
What are the environmental concerns of overpopulation?
Do you agree with Paul Ehrlich or Kit Roane? Explain.

Resource 3 (slideshow)

Which picture is most revealing about the problem that northern India faces? (What picture most shows that this is a horrible, serious problem?)
Which picture surprised you the most?
What were you able to learn from the series of pictures?
Is this more or less powerful than reading an article? Why?
If you were the photographer, what picture(s) would you try to get in order to tell this story?

Lesson Outline:

While you read the attached resources, complete the T-Chart below contrasting the differences between northern India and southern India.

Create a list of 5 questions that you would want to ask Sarah Weiser regarding this topic, if you could meet her in person.

Name___________________________

As you read and view the various articles, slideshow, and video, discuss the differences that you see in the different regions of India. How do these differences connect to the idea of population control versus focusing on people controlling the population on their own?

Tamil Nadu (Southern India)	Bihar (Northern India)

Reflection: What differences do you notice between North and South India?

Extension:

Creating a Plan to Engage Our Communities

Task: Create a proposal for the Indian government that will help to slow down the growth of population other than mass sterilizations. Keep in mind the differences between northern and southern India. Choose TWO social aspects that will be your focus. You will work in groups of no more than three and submit one assignment representing the efforts of all students.

Hypothesis, Presentation, and Vote:

Write down your hypothesis.
Conduct research with information that supports your hypothesis.
Present your hypothesis to the Indian government in a hearing. Use charts pictures, and graphs to further prove your point.
The government will vote on the best solution

Helpful Hints

RESEARCH. Specific data and examples make your strategy stronger (and a bibliography of at least 3 sources is required). Several sources are available at the Pulitzer Center website.
Make your presentation easy to understand by using pictures, charts and graphs.

Content

Presenters include an annotated bibliography with at least three sources.

5 4 3 2 1 0

Presentation reflects an in-depth analysis of the hypothesis being presented. The presentation includes at least 2 social aspects of how to solve this crisis.

20 15 10 5 0

Presentation uses pictures, charts, and graphs to help prove your hypothesis to solve the population problem.

10 7 5 3 0

Presentation Preparation:

Group members responsibly and effectively used preparation time in class.

5 4 3 2 1 0

Delivery:

Presentation was organized, clear, poised, rehearsed, and held the attention of the audience.

10 8 6 4 2 0

Presentation was entertaining and showed a carefully planned hypothesis.

5 3 0

Presentation was 4-5 minutes.