Objective

By the end of this lesson, Lennan and her friends will have designed a model city of the future that addresses various societal challenges such as climate change, pollution, transportation, and affordability. They will enhance their research skills, critical thinking, and creativity by exploring different viewpoints and presenting their findings through a model and an engaging presentation.

Materials and Prep

• Art supplies (paper, markers, colored pencils, glue, scissors)
• Model building materials (cardboard, recycled materials, clay, etc.)
• Access to books, videos, and documentaries (suggestions below)
• Computer or tablet for research
• Presentation materials (poster board, digital presentation tools)

Before starting the lesson, gather all materials and ensure that the students have access to the suggested resources for their research.

Activities

• Research Session:

  Students will split into groups to research different aspects of city planning and the challenges faced by modern cities. They will focus on topics like climate change, pollution, transportation solutions, and affordability. Each group will present their findings to the other groups.

• Design Brainstorming:

  After the research session, students will come together to brainstorm ideas for their city. They will consider how to incorporate electric transportation, green spaces, and affordable housing into their designs. Mind mapping can help visualize their ideas.

• Model Building:

  Using the materials provided, students will create a 3D model of their city. They should include key features that address the issues they researched, such as parks, electric vehicle charging stations, and sustainable buildings.

• Presentation Preparation:

  Students will prepare a presentation to share their city design with family and friends. They can create posters or digital slides to support their presentation, highlighting the key features and the problems they aimed to solve.

Talking Points

• "What are some challenges that cities face today, and how can we solve them?"
• "How do electric modes of transportation help reduce pollution?"
• "Why is it important to consider different viewpoints when planning a city?"
• "What are the pros and cons of using renewable energy sources in our city design?"
• "How can we make our city more affordable for everyone?"
• "What role does green space play in improving the quality of life in a city?"
• "How can technology help us create smarter cities?"
• "What are some examples of cities around the world that are working to solve these problems?"
• "How can we ensure that our city is accessible for people of all ages and abilities?"
• "What is one innovative idea you have that could help our city be more sustainable?"
• "How can art and culture be integrated into our city design?"
• "What did you learn from the movie 'Cities of the Future' that inspired your design?"