Lesson Plan

• Describe the five components of population structure (size, density, distribution, composition, growth rate).
• Calculate natural increase and net migration using the provided formulae.
• Interpret the Demographic Transition Model and assign countries to its stages.
• Analyse the socioeconomic implications of youthful versus ageing population pyramids.
• Evaluate different population policies and recommend appropriate measures for a given context.

• Projector and laptop (PowerPoint slides)
• Printed population‑pyramid handouts (youthful & ageing)
• Worksheet with sample birth, death, migration data
• Calculators
• Whiteboard and markers
• Sticky notes for exit tickets

Show a striking population pyramid and ask, “What does this shape tell us about a society’s needs?” Connect to students’ prior knowledge of population size and ask them to list factors that shape how many people live where. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe those factors, work with the DTM and suggest realistic policies.

1. Do‑now (5') – Quick quiz on definitions of size, density, distribution; teacher checks answers.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Overview of the five components and the formulas for natural increase and net migration.
3. Guided practice (15') – In pairs, students use the worksheet data to calculate NI and NM and discuss the results.
4. DTM exploration (10') – Teacher presents the DTM table; students place supplied country examples into the correct stage.
5. Pyramid analysis (15') – Groups compare youthful and ageing pyramids, identify dependency ratios and discuss socioeconomic impacts.
6. Policy debate (10') – Each group receives a country scenario and proposes a pro‑, anti‑, or neutral population policy, justifying their choice.
7. Recap & exit ticket (5') – Students write one key takeaway and answer a short question on sticky notes before leaving.

Summarise how components of population structure, the DTM, and policy choices interrelate. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding. For homework, assign students to research a country’s current DTM stage and write a brief paragraph outlining its population challenges and a suitable policy response.