Materials

• Information on the populations of various countries over the last 100 years. An almanac may provide this information.
• Maps, almanacs, and atlases that illustrate push factors

Instructional Activities

1. Review content from the previous session.
   
   
2. Conduct a brainstorming session on push/pull factors. Have the students define human migration. Ask students to suggest reasons why large numbers of people leave an area. What factors push them away? Record their responses on the board or overhead.
   
   
3. Display the following factors that push populations to migrate away from an area. Discuss each one, and provide historical examples that reflect the push factor:
   • Overpopulation
   • Religious persecution
   • Lack of job opportunities
   • Agricultural decline
   • Conflicts
   • Political persecution
   • Natural disasters — droughts, floods, famines, volcanic eruptions
   • Limits on personal freedom
   • Environmental degradation
   
   
4. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity, using available teacher resources.