Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design and build a city that is a great place to live, work, and play, using our knowledge of shapes, city services, and geography?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can we use shapes to design buildings and parks in our city?
- Why do cities have governments, and what services do they provide?
- How does the location of a city affect its growth and the lives of its citizens?
- What makes a city a good place to live, work, and play?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to identify and use geometric shapes in the design of city structures.
- Students will understand the basic principles of urban planning.
- Students will learn about the functions of local government and city services.
- Students will investigate how geography impacts city development and citizen life.
- Students will collaborate to design a model city that addresses the needs of its citizens, incorporating elements of work, life, and recreation.
- Students will present their city models and explain their design choices, incorporating geometric principles, urban planning concepts, and knowledge of city services and geographical considerations.
- Students will understand the historical, political, and artistic elements of urban design.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Architect's Dilemma
A mysterious package arrives containing blueprints from a 'future architect' seeking help in designing a city. The blueprints are incomplete and require students to use their knowledge of shapes and urban planning to complete the design, sparking their curiosity and setting the stage for the project.City Council Challenge
Students participate in a simulated city council meeting where they debate proposals for a new city development project. Each proposal highlights different geometric designs and urban planning strategies, challenging students to think critically about the needs of the community and the impact of their choices.Around the World in Cities
The class takes a 'virtual field trip' to several existing cities, each with unique geographical features and urban layouts. Students analyze how geography has influenced the design and functionality of these cities, prompting them to consider the importance of geographical context in their own future city designs.Time Capsule: Cities Through the Ages
Present the students with a time capsule containing artifacts representing different eras of city development. Students analyze the artifacts to understand how urban planning, architecture, and city services have evolved over time, encouraging them to think about the historical context of their future city.An Expert's Perspective
A local artist or urban planner visits the class to share their experiences and challenges in creating functional and beautiful spaces within a city. They present real-world problems that students can help solve using their knowledge of geometry and urban planning, connecting the project to practical applications and inspiring innovative solutions.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Geometric Building Blueprint
Students create individual building designs using geometric shapes. This activity focuses on applying geometric knowledge to architectural design.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA portfolio page featuring individual building designs with labeled geometric shapes.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to identify and use geometric shapes in the design of city structures. Standard alignment: URBANO ARTECity Zone Planner
Students plan the layout of their city zone, considering the placement of buildings, roads, and green spaces. This introduces basic urban planning concepts.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA city zone layout plan showing the arrangement of buildings, roads, and parks.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will understand the basic principles of urban planning. Standard alignment: URBANOCity Service Spotlight
Students research and present on different city services (fire department, police, schools, hospitals) and how they benefit the community.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation on a chosen city service, explaining its function and importance.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will learn about the functions of local government and city services. Standard alignment: POLITICA HISTORIAGeography and the City
Students explore how geographical features (rivers, mountains, coastlines) influence the location and design of cities.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA map showing their city's location and the geographical features that influenced its development, with a written explanation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will investigate how geography impacts city development and citizen life. Standard alignment: GEOGRAFIAModel City Showcase
Students combine their individual elements to create a cohesive model city, presenting their design choices and explaining how their city meets the needs of its citizens.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collaborative model city, with a group presentation explaining the design choices and how the city functions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goals: Students will collaborate to design a model city that addresses the needs of its citizens, incorporating elements of work, life, and recreation. Students will present their city models and explain their design choices, incorporating geometric principles, urban planning concepts, and knowledge of city services and geographical considerations. Standard alignment: URBANO ARTE POLITICA HISTORIA GEOGRAFIARubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioFuture City Architects Rubric
Geometric Design and Labeling
Focuses on the student's ability to apply geometric shapes in their individual building designs and accurately label them.Geometric Shape Application
The degree to which the student accurately and creatively uses geometric shapes in their building design.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates sophisticated and innovative use of a wide variety of geometric shapes in the building design. Shapes are used in creative and unexpected ways.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough and appropriate use of geometric shapes in the building design. Shapes are easily identifiable and contribute to the overall design.
Developing
2 PointsShows emerging understanding of geometric shapes, but their application in the building design is inconsistent or basic. Limited variety of shapes used.
Beginning
1 PointsShows initial understanding of geometric shapes, but struggles to apply them effectively in the building design. Minimal use of shapes.
Shape Labeling Accuracy
The clarity and accuracy of labeling geometric shapes used in the building design.
Exemplary
4 PointsAll shapes are accurately labeled, and the labeling demonstrates a deep understanding of geometric properties.
Proficient
3 PointsAll shapes are accurately labeled.
Developing
2 PointsMost shapes are labeled, but there are some inaccuracies or omissions.
Beginning
1 PointsFew shapes are labeled, and there are significant inaccuracies.
City Zone Layout
Focuses on the student's ability to plan a city zone layout, considering the placement of buildings, roads, and green spaces, and providing a clear explanation for their choices.City Zone Planning and Justification
The thoughtfulness and justification behind the placement of buildings, roads, and parks within the city zone layout.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates sophisticated and insightful planning, with a clear and well-reasoned explanation for the placement of all elements in the city zone. Shows exceptional consideration of community needs and urban planning principles.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough and logical planning, with a clear explanation for the placement of most elements in the city zone. Shows good consideration of community needs and urban planning principles.
Developing
2 PointsShows emerging planning skills, but the explanation for the placement of elements in the city zone is basic or lacks detail. Limited consideration of community needs or urban planning principles.
Beginning
1 PointsShows minimal planning skills, with little or no explanation for the placement of elements in the city zone. Little to no consideration of community needs or urban planning principles.
Layout Clarity and Organization
The organization and clarity of the city zone layout plan.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe layout plan is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and easy to understand. It effectively communicates the arrangement of buildings, roads, and parks.
Proficient
3 PointsThe layout plan is clear, well-organized, and easy to understand. It effectively communicates the arrangement of buildings, roads, and parks.
Developing
2 PointsThe layout plan is somewhat organized, but may lack clarity in some areas. The arrangement of buildings, roads, and parks is not always easy to understand.
Beginning
1 PointsThe layout plan is disorganized and difficult to understand. The arrangement of buildings, roads, and parks is unclear.
City Service Presentation
Focuses on the student's ability to research and present information about a chosen city service, explaining its function and importance to the community.City Service Research
The depth and accuracy of the research conducted on the chosen city service.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates in-depth and comprehensive research on the city service, going beyond basic information to explore complex aspects and challenges. Provides exceptionally accurate and detailed information.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough and accurate research on the city service, providing detailed information about its function, personnel, and community benefits.
Developing
2 PointsShows emerging research skills, but the information on the city service is somewhat basic or incomplete. Some inaccuracies may be present.
Beginning
1 PointsShows minimal research effort, with limited and inaccurate information on the city service.
Presentation Clarity and Effectiveness
The clarity and effectiveness of the presentation on the chosen city service.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation is exceptionally clear, engaging, and informative, effectively conveying the function and importance of the city service. Demonstrates excellent presentation skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation is clear, informative, and well-organized, effectively conveying the function and importance of the city service. Demonstrates good presentation skills.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation is somewhat clear, but may lack organization or detail in some areas. The function and importance of the city service are not always effectively conveyed.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation is unclear, disorganized, and lacks essential information about the city service. Demonstrates poor presentation skills.
Geography and City Development
Focuses on the student's ability to create a map showing their city's location and explain how geographical features have influenced its development.Map Accuracy and Detail
The extent to which the map accurately represents the city's location and key geographical features.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe map is exceptionally accurate and detailed, clearly depicting the city's location and all relevant geographical features. Demonstrates a deep understanding of geographical influences.
Proficient
3 PointsThe map is accurate and includes all key geographical features relevant to the city's location and development.
Developing
2 PointsThe map shows the city's location and some geographical features, but may lack detail or accuracy in some areas.
Beginning
1 PointsThe map is incomplete or inaccurate, and does not effectively represent the city's location or key geographical features.
Explanation of Geographical Influence
The clarity and depth of the explanation of how geographical features influenced the city's development.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe explanation is exceptionally clear, insightful, and detailed, demonstrating a deep understanding of how geographical features have shaped the city's development in significant ways. Provides innovative and well-supported insights.
Proficient
3 PointsThe explanation is clear and detailed, providing a thorough understanding of how geographical features have influenced the city's development.
Developing
2 PointsThe explanation is somewhat basic or incomplete, but provides some understanding of how geographical features may have influenced the city's development.
Beginning
1 PointsThe explanation is minimal or unclear, and does not effectively explain how geographical features influenced the city's development.
Model City Collaboration and Presentation
Focuses on the student's ability to collaborate with others to create a cohesive model city and present their design choices, explaining how the city meets the needs of its citizens.Collaboration and Integration
The effectiveness of the collaboration in integrating individual elements into a cohesive model city.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional collaboration, with seamless integration of individual elements into a cohesive and well-designed model city. Shows strong leadership and effective communication within the group.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates effective collaboration, with good integration of individual elements into a cohesive model city. Shows clear communication and cooperation within the group.
Developing
2 PointsShows some collaboration, but the integration of individual elements into the model city is not always seamless. Communication within the group may be limited.
Beginning
1 PointsShows minimal collaboration, with little integration of individual elements into the model city. Communication within the group is poor.
Presentation Clarity and Persuasiveness
The clarity and persuasiveness of the group presentation explaining the city's design and how it meets the needs of its citizens.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation is exceptionally clear, engaging, and persuasive, effectively explaining the city's design choices and how it comprehensively meets the needs of its citizens. Demonstrates excellent presentation skills and a deep understanding of urban planning principles.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation is clear, informative, and well-organized, effectively explaining the city's design choices and how it meets the needs of its citizens. Demonstrates good presentation skills and a solid understanding of urban planning principles.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation is somewhat clear, but may lack organization or detail in some areas. The explanation of the city's design choices and how it meets the needs of its citizens is not always effective.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation is unclear, disorganized, and lacks essential information about the city's design and how it meets the needs of its citizens. Demonstrates poor presentation skills and a limited understanding of urban planning principles.