Objective

By the end of this project, Lennan and her friends will have designed a model city of the future that addresses critical issues such as climate change, pollution, and transportation. They will enhance their research skills, engage in critical thinking, and understand the importance of different viewpoints in solving real-world problems. The project will culminate in a presentation of their findings and model, showcasing their creativity and understanding of the subject matter.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and pencils for brainstorming and sketches
• Cardboard, scissors, and glue for building the model
• Access to the internet for research (books, articles, videos)
• Markers, paints, or colored pencils for decorating the model
• Presentation materials (poster board or digital presentation software)
• Suggested books and videos:
  • "The Future of Cities" by the World Economic Forum
  • "Cities of the Future" documentary series
  • "How to Build a City" TED-Ed video

Activities

• Research Phase: Lennan and her friends will start by researching different aspects of city planning, including transportation, sustainability, and climate change. They can use online resources, books, and documentaries to gather information.

• Brainstorming Session: After gathering information, they will hold a brainstorming session to discuss their ideas. They will list out problems they want to solve and potential solutions, encouraging each other to think critically about the pros and cons of each idea.

• Designing the City: Using their research and brainstorming notes, they will sketch a layout of their city. They should think about where different elements like parks, residential areas, and transportation hubs will go.

• Building the Model: Once they have a design, they will use cardboard and other materials to build a 3D model of their city. They can get creative with their construction, incorporating elements like electric transportation and green spaces.

• Presentation Preparation: Finally, they will prepare a presentation to share their city design with you. This can include a visual display of their model and a discussion of the research they conducted and the solutions they proposed.

Talking Points

• "What are some of the biggest challenges cities face today?"
• "How does climate change affect urban areas?"
• "What are electric modes of transportation, and how can they help our city?"
• "Why is it important to consider different viewpoints when planning a city?"
• "Can you think of examples of cities that have successfully implemented sustainable practices?"
• "What materials can we use to create our model, and how can we make it look realistic?"
• "How can we present our ideas in a way that is engaging and informative?"
• "What are some potential drawbacks of the solutions we propose?"
• "How do you think our city will look in 50 years?"
• "Why is it important for cities to be affordable and accessible for everyone?"