8.3.3.5.3 - Describe the locations of human populations and the cultural characteristics of Europe and Russia, including the role of migration patterns, and the impact of aging population and other effects of demographic transition.

8.1.1.1.1 - Exhibit civic skills including participating in civic discussion on issues in the contemporary world, demonstrating respect for the opinions of people or groups who have different perspectives, and reaching consensus.

In this lesson you will learn about the people who live in Europe. You will locate the various ethnic groups, and understand how Europe’s population is changing.

For the first activity, you will have a blank map of Europe. You will then research one of the major ethnic groups of Europe, and take notes about who, what, where, and possibly why. After you have finished researching, you will then post the important information to the European Ethnic group wiki. After reading the information from other additions, color in the blank map, labeling the locations of the various ethnic groups.

In this activity, you will watch a video about the demographic (population) changes happening in Europe. After watching the video, you will participate in a class chat and try to brainstorm some possible problems that might come about due to these changes. You will then read an article that outlines some of the problems associated with an aging population. You will then participate in a class chat dealing with possible solutions to Europe’s problem. After completing both chats, you will log a journal entry explaining the population trends in Europe, some possible problems associated with it, and an explanation of what you think should be done.