New
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Population in cities
I can explain who lives in cities and why.
Lesson 5 of 12
New
New
- Year 8
Population in cities
I can explain who lives in cities and why.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Urban populations often have a larger share of people aged 18–40.
- Migration to cities is driven by employment and educational opportunities.
- Cities provide a wide range of leisure facilties which are also a draw for younger people.
- Natural increase is a key factor in the growth of urban populations.
- High population density puts pressure on infrastructure and services.
Keywords
Migration - the movement of people from one place to another
Natural increase - when birth rates are higher than death rates
Population density - the number of people living in a defined area, e.g. 300 people per square kilometre
Common misconception
Cities only grow because of migration.
While migration is a key factor, natural increase (more births than deaths) is often just as important - especially in cities with young populations.
Use real-life city examples (like London, Manchester, or Lagos) to illustrate why people move to cities and how different age groups use urban spaces. This helps students connect abstract ideas (like migration or population density) to places they know or have heard of.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these describes a city with high population density?
Which of these describes a city with high population density?
People live very far apart
Fewer people live in a large space
People live in rural areas
Q2.Which of these is usually a challenge for people living in cities?
Which of these is usually a challenge for people living in cities?
Quick access to hospitals
Too many trees
Low population
Q3.Urban areas are often known for their high levels of density.
Urban areas are often known for their high levels of density.
Q4.Which of the following is a benefit of living in a city?
Which of the following is a benefit of living in a city?
More green countryside
Fewer job opportunities
More frequent power cuts
Q5.A student says, “Life in all cities is the same.” What is a better understanding?
A student says, “Life in all cities is the same.” What is a better understanding?
All cities are equal in every way
Cities only vary by population
Cities only vary by language
Q6.Which of these is a feature found in most modern cities?
Which of these is a feature found in most modern cities?
Few schools
Strong rural traditions
Only farms
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions:
Match the keywords to their definitions:
Q2.Which of the following best explains why a city might grow in population?
Which of the following best explains why a city might grow in population?
Fewer people are born
Everyone leaves rural areas
Death rates increase
Q3.A student says: “Cities only grow because people migrate to them.” What’s a more complete understanding?
A student says: “Cities only grow because people migrate to them.” What’s a more complete understanding?
Cities also shrink often
Cities only grow when birth rates fall
Cities don’t grow at all
Q4.Which of these could cause the population of a city to fall?
Which of these could cause the population of a city to fall?
High birth rates
Migration into the city
Increase in public transport
