Session 10 - Written Assignment

This written assignment should be done following the class meeting.  You will receive information in that class that will help with the assignment.

All written assignments must be typed using a word processor.  If you have access to Microsoft Word, please use that and send it to your instructor via e-mail as an attachment.  If you need to use another type of word processor (such as Microsoft Works or Word Perfect), please cut and paste your assignment into an e-mail and send it that way.

Written Assignment for Session 10:

Write a one-page summary of your community based on the demographics available from the following sources and from class discussion of community analysis.  Compare and contrast the 1990 census numbers with the 2000 census.  (There are no 1990 median ages for cities available on the Internet.  They are available as print documents from the State Data Center).   What trends do you see happening? What surprises did you find? What is unique about your community in shaping its history and culture?

This demographic information will be used again in Session 11.

Places to gather census data:

1. 4-page demographic profiles of Iowa cities and counties can be found on the State Data Center’s Web site.  Scroll down to Incorporated Places and click on .pdf for Census 2000 demographic profiles - Individual area.
2. Additional census information is also available on the State Data Center’s Web site.  From this page, choose any subject to browse, for example, age, race and Hispanic, education, poverty.
3. Retail trade data can be found at the new site for ISU’s Office of Social and Economic Trend Analysis (SETA).  Under "Detailed Statistics," choose By Geography and Cities. Choose Iowa from the list and then scroll to find your community.  Retail Trade will be one of the options for most communities.
4. School  and school district enrollments can be found at the National Center for Education Statistics.  At the bottom of the page, click on "Data Tools," then select "Search for Public School Districts."  This will take you to a page where you can enter the district name.