Instructions
- Research Phase: Use a computer, tablet, or phone to research the New York City attractions listed in the table below, plus any others you are curious about.
- Data Collection: Fill in the table with the location (Borough/Neighborhood), a brief historical or cultural fact, and the current entry cost.
- Ranking System: Use the "Priority Score" column to rank each item from 1 (lowest interest) to 10 (absolute must-see).
- The Final Cut: Based on your research and scores, select your top 4 choices and complete the final itinerary planning section at the end.
Section 1: The Great NYC Discovery
Research the landmarks below. One example has been completed for you to follow.
| Attraction | Location (Borough/Area) | Historical or Cultural Significance | Est. Cost (Adult/Child) | Priority Score (1-10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example: The High Line | Manhattan (Chelsea) | A former elevated rail line turned into a public park; represents urban renewal. | Free | 8 |
| Statue of Liberty | ||||
| Central Park | ||||
| AMNH (Natural History) | ||||
| The Edge | ||||
| Empire State Building | ||||
| 9/11 Memorial | ||||
Section 2: Geographic Analysis
New York City is divided into five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
1. Mapping the Logistics: Look at a map of your top-rated attractions from Section 1. Are they close to each other, or spread across different boroughs? Why does this matter for your daily schedule?
2. The Transit Factor: Most New Yorkers use the Subway. Look up the directions between two of your chosen attractions. List the Subway lines (letters or numbers) you would need to take:
Starting Point:
Ending Point:
Subway Lines Needed: __
Section 3: The "Final Four" Pitch
You must now narrow your list down to exactly four attractions for a weekend trip. Choose wisely based on cost, history, and your personal interest.
My Top 4 Selections:
The Justification: Choose one of your selections above and explain why it is historically or socially important enough to make the final cut. (Example: Why is the Statue of Liberty more than just a big statue?)
Section 4: Challenge Question
Urban Planning: The High Line and Central Park are both famous parks, but they were created very differently. Central Park was designed in the 1850s to be a "green lung" for the city, while the High Line was built on old industrial ruins.
If you could build a new public park in your own town, would you rather it be a large open space like Central Park or a repurposed industrial space like the High Line? Why?
Answer Key
Note: Prices and specific details may vary slightly based on current data and booking platforms.
Section 1 Sample Data:
- Statue of Liberty: Liberty Island (Manhattan). Gift from France (1886); symbol of freedom/immigration. Cost: ~$25 (includes ferry).
- Central Park: Manhattan. Designed by Olmsted/Vaux (1858); first landscaped public park in US. Cost: Free (some attractions inside vary).
- AMNH: Manhattan (Upper West Side). One of the largest museums in the world; famous for dinosaur fossils. Cost: ~$28 (General Admission).
- The Edge: Manhattan (Hudson Yards). Highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Cost: ~$36-$40.
- 9/11 Memorial: Manhattan (Financial District). Honors those killed in the 1993 and 2001 attacks. Cost: Memorial is Free; Museum is ~$30.
Section 2 Guidance: Students should note that most major tourist attractions are in Manhattan, but proximity affects travel time.
Section 4 Guidance: Responses should demonstrate an understanding of "Urban Renewal" (High Line) versus "Planned Green Space" (Central Park).