The Opportunity Atlas
Activity Description
How does your ZIP code affect social mobility? This activity guides students through a demographic analysis of factors that affect social mobility, including race, median income, and sex. Students will use The Opportunity Atlas to explore a data set of important statistics. Data sets will be compared by neighborhood and region.
Suggested Grade Level
9-12
Approximate Time Required
45 minutes
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Analyze, compare, and interpret key demographic data in a specific U.S. ZIP code to determine social outcomes for adults in the corresponding census tract.
- Identify what factors impact social mobility in specific neighborhoods and regions.
- Evaluate data to support a position.
- Explore and understand how to use data access tools—such as The Opportunity Atlas—to gather information.
Materials Required
- Printed student worksheets
- The board at the front of the room
- Internet and computer access for all students to view The Opportunity Atlas
- If technology is unavailable to students, you may do this activity as a class with a projector or computer or an interactive whiteboard, selecting specific cities that apply to your students.
- Teachers could also print out the relevant maps, tables, and graphs for students to view in class.
Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021