Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: The concept of an optimum population
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the concept of optimum population and its relationship to marginal benefit and marginal cost.
  • Explain how resources, technology, institutions, human capital and trade determine the optimum population.
  • Analyse the economic and social consequences of populations below, at, or above the optimum.
  • Evaluate policy measures that can move a country toward its optimum population.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for diagram presentation
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout summarising key concepts and the summary table
  • Calculator or spreadsheet software for simple calculations
  • Worksheets with practice questions
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “Does a larger population always mean more wealth?” Connect responses to prior learning about per‑capita income and resource limits. State that today’s success criteria are to define optimum population, identify its determinants, and assess relevant policy options.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students write their poll answers on sticky notes; teacher records responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Define optimum population, introduce MB = MC, and display the intersecting‑curves diagram.
  3. Guided analysis (12’) – In groups, examine the summary table to discuss consequences of below/above optimum; teacher circulates.
  4. Calculation activity (10’) – Students use the simplified production‑function formula on a worksheet to estimate the optimum labour force and share findings.
  5. Policy brainstorm (8’) – Groups propose two policies to shift the optimum upward and present brief rationales.
  6. Check for understanding (5’) – Exit ticket: “State one reason why an optimum population matters for development.”
Conclusion:
Recap that the optimum population balances marginal benefits and costs, maximising per‑capita welfare. Collect exit tickets and assign a short case‑study analysis of a country’s population trend for homework. Remind students to review the MB/MC diagram before the next quiz.