Assignments:
#1 The Origin and Growth of Cities: Read; Theories Explanations of Why Cities
Originated
1. Define: City, City-State, Surplus, Agriculture, Trade
2. What Geographical factors are most desirable for the location of a city? Is
there any single one that would be most beneficial? Explain your answer
#2 How have cities grown and thrived over time? Research: Population Charts
1. Using the following charts, create a bar graph showing the growth of cities over
the past 2000 years. You may use only the most populous city from each chart or do
the total population for the top ten cities. Print out your graphs and bring it to class
(if you have a USB key bring the chart in on that as well.) We will vote in class on
who has produced the best graph.
2.Why might population have risen so quickly between 1800 and 1900?
3. In what region of the world do we find the largest cities in 2010? Why?
#3 Mega Ports Case Study: Yangshan Deepwater Port Shanghai: Read:
YangShan
Sim City Simulation
The goal of the simulation is to give students the opportunity to learn urban
planning, growth, trade and management skills.
How the Project Works.
Phase I: Students will be placed in groups of 5. Each group will be given a
department in the city government. They are as follows:
Safety
Health/Sanitation
Education
Environment
Zoning
Commerce
After the assignment of Departments the class will elect a mayor and each
group will appoint a chairperson.
Once the game begins each department will play for one class period on a
rotational basis. The first players will be Zoning. They will consult with the
Mayor, come to a consensus and make their moves. The game will give advice
and offer hurdles. Each department will then make decisions in consultation
with the mayor . The goal is to build a thriving, populous, and sustainable city.
Throughout the unit As challenges arise class will discuss certain cases from
the real world in order to make decisions (See lesson Plans). Challenges and
failures are inevitable. They will raise awareness about the immense
challenges that cities face as they grow.