Objective

By the end of this lesson, Lennan and her friends will have designed a city of the future that addresses key global issues such as climate change, pollution, and transportation. They will research various viewpoints, weigh the pros and cons of different solutions, and create a model to present their innovative ideas.

Materials and Prep

• Art supplies (cardboard, markers, glue, scissors, etc.)
• Access to the internet for research
• Books and documentaries on urban planning, climate change, and electric transportation (suggested below)
• Paper for notes and sketches
• Presentation materials (optional: poster board, PowerPoint, etc.)

Before starting, ensure that Lennan and her friends understand the basic concepts of climate change, pollution, and urban planning. Familiarize them with the idea of electric transportation and its benefits and drawbacks.

Activities

• Research Phase: Lennan and her friends will spend time researching different aspects of city planning, focusing on climate change solutions, electric transportation, and urban sustainability. They can use online resources, books, and documentaries to gather information.

• Discussion and Brainstorming: After their research, the group will come together to discuss their findings. They should share different viewpoints and brainstorm innovative solutions to problems like pollution and transportation. They can create a mind map to visualize their ideas.

• Designing the City: Using their research and brainstorming, the group will sketch out a design for their city. They should consider elements like green spaces, electric transportation systems, and affordable housing. Encourage creativity!

• Building the Model: Once they have a design, they will construct a 3D model of their city using the art supplies provided. This can be a fun hands-on activity where they can bring their ideas to life.

• Presentation: Finally, they will prepare a presentation to showcase their city model and explain their design choices. They can use visuals, such as posters or slides, to enhance their presentation.

Talking Points

• "What are some of the biggest problems cities face today, and how can we solve them?"
• "How does climate change affect our environment and the way we live in cities?"
• "What are electric modes of transportation, and how can they help reduce pollution?"
• "Why is it important to consider different viewpoints when designing a city?"
• "What are some pros and cons of electric transportation versus traditional methods?"
• "How can we make sure our city is affordable for everyone?"
• "What role do green spaces play in urban planning?"
• "How can we make our city accessible for people of all ages and abilities?"
• "What innovative technologies can we use in our city of the future?"
• "Why is it important to involve the community in city planning?"
• "What can we learn from existing cities that are already implementing these ideas?"