Collaborative Learning Activity 1.1 - How are maps used to interpret population change?

Procedures for Completing Activity. You can complete this activity using the following steps. It is recommended that you meet with the members of your local group so you can all work on the activity at the same time.

Step 1 - Click here to view an interactive presentation that illustrates how to create maps from tables of population data.

Step 2 - After viewing the presentation, leaders should click here to download a packet entitled "Population in Bolivia". Leaders should distribute copies of this packet to all local members, who can work together to complete the maps following the instructions on the worksheets.

Step 3 - After your local group completes the "Population in Bolivia" worksheets, go to the Group Discussion Board and find the forum with the title "Lesson 1 - Bolivia". The full international team should use this forum to discuss the following questions. Try to discuss the questions long enough so that each member has a chance to share a view and respond to at least one other member of the team.

1. Examine the map of Bolivia. In what part of Bolivia is population growth the slowest? The fastest? What reasons can you give for these patterns? If your group has access to a scanner, post a digital copy of your map in the discussion forum.

2. Does the map support the hypothesis that population growth is causing deforestation in some parts of Bolivia? Why or why not?