Why does population change?
Examining global population patterns by investigating why some places are more densely populated than others.
New statutory RSHE guidance is here. We’re creating our brand new RSE & PSHE scheme ready for September 2026. Learn more
- Subjects >
- Geography >
- Key stage 2 >
- Year 6 >
-
Why does population change?
Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Identify the most densely and sparsely populated areas.
- Describe the increase in global population over time.
- Begin to describe what might influence the environments people live in.
- Define birth and death rates, suggesting what may influence them.
- Define migration, discussing push and pull factors.
- Explain why some people have no choice but to leave their homes.
- Describe the causes of climate change, explaining its impact on the global population.
- Suggest an action they can take to fight climate change.
- Calculate the length of a route to scale.
- Follow a selected route on an OS map.
- Use a variety of data collection methods, including using a Likert scale.
- Collect information from a member of the public.
- Create a digital map to plot and compare data collected from two locations.
- Suggest an idea to improve the environment.
Lesson 5 involves fieldwork in a local urban environment. It is important to risk-assess the proposed route taking into account any relevant school risk assessment policies and procedures. Refer to the Before the lesson section in Lesson 5 to prepare for this lesson. Please be aware this lesson may take longer than 1 hour.
Lessons 5 and 6 require a device (one each).
Suggested prior learning
Would you like to live in the desert?
Get startedLessons
Lesson 1: How is the global population changing?
Lesson 2: What are birth and death rates?
Lesson 3: Why do people migrate?
Lesson 4: How is climate change impacting the population?
Lesson 5: How is population impacting our environment?: Data collection
Lesson 6: How is population impacting our environment?: Findings
Key knowledge
Related content
Unit resources
Knowledge organiser: Geography – Y6 Why does population change?
Aimed at pupils, a single page which gives key facts and definitions from the unit "Why does population change?".
Vocabulary display: Why does population change?
A display version of the vocabulary from the unit 'Why does population change?'
Cross-curricular opportunities
Mathematics: Statistics, number
English: Spoken language, writing
British values: Mutual respect, tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, individual liberty, democracy
History
Physical education
Computing