Indiana Social Studies IS.2.7
The Standard
Explain how census data affects the people of Indiana, legislative districts, and the allocation of federal dollars to state and local governments.
2026 Indiana Academic Standards: K-12 Social Studies
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students explain how Indiana uses census counts to redraw legislative districts. They also explain how population counts help determine federal funding for state and local services.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can explain why a growing area may need new district boundaries. They can trace how an undercount could leave a community with less representation or funding than its population calls for.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think only voters are counted, rather than everyone living in an area. They may also think federal money is divided equally among counties or that district lines change as soon as people move.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: A growing Indiana town has 5,000 residents missing from its census count. Explain one possible effect on district lines and one possible effect on federal funding.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs six adjoining precinct blocks with population cards; have them draw two connected districts with populations as close as possible.
Ask students to write: Who could be affected if a fast-growing Indiana town is undercounted? Name one effect on representation and one on funding.
Give groups cards showing population changes and possible effects; have them match each change to a district or funding outcome and defend their choices.
Compare your county’s 2010 and 2020 census totals, then locate its Indiana House district on a current state map.
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Printable IS.2.7 Worksheet
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Related Standards
- USG.3.13
Explain the organization of state and local governments in Indiana and analyze how they affect the lives of citizens.
- USG.5.2
Analyze the roles and responsibilities of citizens in Indiana and the United States.
- USG.3.5
Explain how a bill becomes law in the legislative process of the United States and the state of Indiana.
- IS.1.28
Analyze the significance of state programs, policies, and legal rulings designed to improve the lives of Hoosiers.
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