Lesson 4: City Census

Students utilize census information to infer and interpret information from their community

(Adapted from Historical Records in the Classroom)

Subjects: Social Studies, Language Arts

Grade Levels: 4 - 9

Time Frame: 2-3 class periods

Materials Needed:

• Census of your area

• Family Census Data worksheet

• Paper and markers

Learning Objectives: Students will:

1. Understand that there are many cultural, economic and environmental changes that occur over a period of time.

2. Demonstrate the ability to gather, label, categorize and analyze information from a census.

3. Create a modern class census modelled after an historical one.

4. Predict future changes in our lifestyles for the year 2101.

Procedure:

1. Distribute the local census and discuss the purpose of a census, the categories on the census, and any other pertinent data.

2. Ask student to complete the Family Census worksheet using present day information.

3. Direct students to create a large-scale version of a census on paper in which they will record the modern day information collected on the worksheets. Categories should be similar to the historical census.

4. Have the class compare and contrast the information on the old census to the present day class census to determine what changes have occurred. Instruct students to draw conclusions about changes in the following categories:

• Occupations in general

• Occupations of women

• First Names

• Countries of Origin

• Number of persons in household

• Any other categories

    5. Instruct students to create and complete a  census form for one hundred years into the future. Discuss what changes there might be in the way we live or the way we count our population.

Extension:

• Collect a sample of census records from your area from at least three different time periods and discuss their contents.

• Have students work in pairs and assign each group a particular geographical area and year to research. Have student keep a tally of certain characteristics e.g. immigrants.

• After groups have completed their research, create a chart tracking the patterns in the area that were discovered.

FAMILY CENSUS DATA

Explanation:

This family census is being taken to compare information from a historical census with information from a present day census. Family is being defined as all those who share one household.

1. List members of your household from oldest to youngest.

2. Were any members of your household born in another country? If so, who and where were they born?

3. Are any members of your household not citizens of Canada? If so, who are they?

4. List any information you need to complete the class census.

Adapted Source: Historical Records in the Classroom

Primary Sources

Lesson 4: City Census

Students utilize census information to infer and interpret information from their community.

Civic Census
City of Edmonton: '99 Census, '99 Census Results,'93 Census Results, Census Frequently Asked Questions, Census Justification 
http://www.gov.edmonton.ab.ca

Statistics Canada
Census: 1996 Census, 2001 Census, History of the Census in Canada
http://www.statcan.ca/english/census96/list.htm

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Lesson 1: Conducting a Historical Inventory

Lesson 2: Historical Maps

Lesson 3:
Diary of an Individual

Lesson 4:
City Census

Download Lesson 4 in Word Document format.