Human Population Growth
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Provided by: Crash Course|Published on: August 16, 2022
Videos
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9101112AP
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Synopsis
- This video explains human population growth, especially the exponential growth that has occurred since 1650 that can be explained by humans conquering the limiting factors of food, disease, and inhospitable environments.
- Students will learn about r-selected vs. K-selected species, growth rates, limiting factors, estimates of Earth's carrying capacity for humans, and ecological footprints.

Subjects: Biology, History, Mathematics
Authors: Crash Course
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video is engaging and includes funny graphics and explanations.
- After viewing, students will have a good basic understanding of human population growth.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should understand the terms population and exponential.
- Students should be familiar with the concept of population growth.
Differentiation
- This video would work equally well in a science or social studies classroom as there are many historic events described and connections to ecological carrying capacity of populations.
- Social studies or ethics classes could discuss the connections between equal rights for women and girls, access to healthcare, the rights of other species to exist, and the topics in the video.
- This content is essential for environmental science or ecology classes and can supplement AP environmental science classes.
- Try pausing the video incrementally for students to share out their thinking. Consider adding their ideas to a class brain map or individual graphic organizers.
- This video can be used as an introduction to explore carbon footprints, ecological footprints, the 6th mass extinction event on Earth, and climate solutions.
- After viewing, have students generate a list of questions they have or related topics they are interested in. Then, have students answer one question or research one topic with additional videos and articles.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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