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Story: America's
Population Reaches 300 Million, 10/18/06
1. What is the population of the United States? How fast is the country growing?
2. How many countries have more people than the United States? Which are they?
3. What factors are contributing to the growth of the United States?
4. How does Americans' use of natural resources now compare to the past?
5. How does a growing population impact government programs?
6. Hispanics will make up what percentage of U.S. population by 2050?
Discussion Activity (more research might be needed): 1. According to the article, a growing population brings new challenges as well as benefits. How would you define each? What good things come from more people? What challenges of a growing population will need solutions? 2. The only two nations with more people are China and India. Compare the United States to both of these nations. How are they similar or different? Are the challenges that American's face with a growing population the same as these countries? What advantages and disadvantages does each country have in terms of growth? 3. According to projections, the U.S. population will be 400 million by 2042. How old will you be then? How do you imagine this surge in growth will impact your life? What should communities like yours do to prepare for this growth? Give concrete suggestions. Send your completed essay to NewsHour Extra [extra@newshour.org]. Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site. |