Reading a Population Table is a free printable Grade 3 to Grade 5 social studies worksheet on reading change over time from census figures, aligned to C3 Framework indicator D3.1.3-5. It prints 6 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two students in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.
Set 1 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.
Read the table and answer the questions. Show your work. Then choose the best answers.
1.Read the table, then answer the questions.
Population of California, 1850 to 1870
Figures from the United States Census of 1850, 1860 and 1870, set out as a table for this worksheet.
YEAR ...... PEOPLE COUNTED IN CALIFORNIA
1850 ...... 92,597
1860 ...... 379,994
1870 ...... 560,247
Notes: Gold was found in California in January 1848. The census counts the people of every state once every ten years. The 1850 count missed some places whose records were lost, and most Native Californians were not counted.
1. Why might so many people have come to California between 1850 and 1860?
2. Did California grow by more people from 1850 to 1860 or from 1860 to 1870? Explain how you know.
3. By how many people did the count grow from 1860 to 1870?
4. What does the table not tell you about who was living in California?
2.Why is it useful to put census numbers in a table?
A.So the numbers can be hidden
B.So no one can read them
C.So the numbers for different years can be compared quickly
3.Why does the census matter for Congress?
A.It decides how many members each state has in the House of Representatives
B.It sets the price of stamps
C.It decides who is President
4.In what year was the first US census taken?
A.1790
B.1492
C.1950
5.Which kind of graph best shows how a population changed over many years?
A.A line graph
B.A compass rose
C.A map key
6.The US Constitution says the people must be counted every ten years. What is this count called?
A.The ballot
B.The budget
C.The census
LessonPrint · D3.1.3-5 · Set 1 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — Reading a Population Table
Set 1. Prints on its own sheet.
1.1. Many came because gold was found in California in 1848. 2. 379,994 − 92,597 = 287,397; 560,247 − 379,994 = 180,253; so from 1850 to 1860. 3. 560,247 − 379,994 = 180,253 people. 4. Most Native Californians were not counted, so it leaves many people out.
2.So the numbers for different years can be compared quickly
3.It decides how many members each state has in the House of Representatives
4.1790
5.A line graph
6.The census
Questions about Reading a Population Table
What does the Reading a Population Table worksheet cover?
It practices reading change over time from census figures — 6 questions for Grade 3 to Grade 5, all on C3 Framework D3.1.3-5: Gather what you need from several sources, choosing each for a reason. The instruction to students is “Read the table and answer the questions. Show your work. Then choose the best answers”, and the answer key follows on the next sheet.
Which C3 Framework indicator does Reading a Population Table practice?
D3.1.3-5, under Evaluating Sources and Using Evidence for Grade 3 to Grade 5. The published indicator reads: “Gather relevant information from multiple sources while using the origin, structure, and context to guide the selection.” The worksheet assesses that indicator rather than a paraphrase of it.
What age or grade is this worksheet for?
Reading a Population Table is written for Grade 3 to Grade 5, typically ages 40-41. It is one of the sheets on D3.1.3-5, so it suits any student working at that standard — including older students revisiting it and younger ones working ahead.
Does Reading a Population Table come with an answer key?
Yes. All 6 answers are generated from the same problems as the questions, so the key cannot drift out of step with the sheet. It starts on a fresh sheet of paper, after the questions, so it is not handed out with the class by accident.
How many different versions of Reading a Population Table can I print?
25 — one per student, and all 25 ask different questions. Set 1 downloads the whole class as a single PDF. Every version is fixed to its own address, so a sheet printed today holds the same problems when you reopen it next week.
Is Reading a Population Table free to print and photocopy?
Yes. Reading a Population Table, its answer key and its 25 versions are free to print and photocopy for your own class, with no account, no email capture and no subscription at the download step. Please do not resell them or republish them as your own.
More practice for D3.1.3-5
Gather what you need from several sources, choosing each for a reason.