FAQs

How are the 2010 Census: It’s About Us lessons structured?

The 2010 Census: It’s About Us cross-curriculum unit for K-8 is produced in four separate grade bands (K–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8) and in four thematic strands ("About the Census," "Map Literacy," "Managing Data," and "Community Participation"). The 9-12 lessons are geared to social studies classes and include ideas for service learning.
Is 2010 Census: It’s About Us just for K–8?

No. The U.S. Census Bureau has also provided a high school–specific program for grades 9–12. Both the K–8 and 9–12 programs are available online at [link to lessons search page].
What is the program’s purpose?

The purpose of 2010 Census: It’s About Us is to use social studies, English language arts, math, and mapping skills to educate students about the census—featuring lessons about everything from data literacy and mapping to the efficient functioning of participatory self-government.

It also seeks to enlist students as advocates for participation in the 2010 Census in their homes and communities, especially in communities that might otherwise be undercounted or overlooked and, as a result, may lose out on a wide range of benefits.
Into what curriculum areas does the 2010 Census: It’s About Us program fit?

The curriculum offers lessons aligned with national standards in mathematics, geography, English language arts, and social studies. Lessons can also strengthen student map skills; promote understanding of community issues; and encourage student citizenship and activism.
How is the unit organized?
It’s organized around four strands:
- About the Census uses social studies to explore census data "then and now." These lessons familiarize students with the census form and help them understand how data are collected. Older students can take a deeper look into history with lessons that reveal how the census is a living part of the democratic process and truly reflects the ever-changing "us."
- Map Literacy lessons spring from the wall maps provided—and help students gain familiarity with mapping conventions, read different kinds of maps, and practice making maps of their own.
- Managing Data lessons use math to connect census data to everyday life. Students will organize and work with the data and practice making charts and graphs in grade-appropriate ways. Older students will explore data on the Census Bureau Web site, discovering more about their county, zip code, or local census tract.
- Community Participation lessons approach volunteerism using English language arts skills. Students will get to know their communities, and think about local needs and planning for the future.
How many lessons are offered?

There are a total of 16 lessons—four lessons for each of four grade bands: K–2, 3–4, 5–6, and 7–8. Coming in September, we’ll also have lessons for grades 9–12. Online, teachers have the option of printing an entire unit or finding a single lesson that fits their weekly plan by searching by grade level, subject, or key word.
What about teaching guides?

The Principal’s Kit includes 10 quick-start teaching guides that offer instructional ideas that are ready for immediate use in classrooms.
What role do maps play?

The maps are the visual and data-rich centerpieces of the classroom program.
Is there other support for teachers?
Yes. Teacher-friendly support materials make it easy for educators to include 2010 Census: It’s About Us in their lesson plans:
- Program Overview provides teachers with each unit’s objectives and tips on using materials, extending activities, and utilizing the Web site.
- National Standards and Benchmarks lists the applicable national standards aligned to each lesson in civics, geography, English language arts, math, and social studies.
- Scope and Sequence provides a convenient matrix view of the entire unit, showing teachers how skills and content are sequenced.
- Additional Resources helps teachers who want to learn more or teach more about the topics raised.