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City Scenes

Cities of the world have a lot commonalities, but also many differences. Explore some of them and create a colorful drawing of the city of your choice.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

Steps

  • Step 1

    More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas. Discuss some characteristics that define a city, such as its relatively large population, the presence of human-made structures, public transportation options, etc. Ask students to compare and contrast life in a city versus life in a rural community. What work might the population be involved in? What type of dwellings would they have? What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of each type of community?

  • Step 2

    Have students examine images of some cities around the world and ask them to choose one to research. How is it governed? What are its primary economic drivers? How does the geography and natural environment impact life in this location?

  • Step 3

    Ask students to depict the city they researched in a colorful drawing that illustrates its character and perhaps depicts a skyline, landmarks, or some of its prominent buildings. Have them present it to the class and talk about some of the information they learned about the city.

Standards

SS: People, Places, and Environments: Draw upon experiences in neighborhoods, towns and cities, states and nations, as well as peoples and places distant and unfamiliar to explore geographic similarities and differences.

SS: People, Places, and Environments: Understand various perspectives and examine changes in relationship between peoples, places, and environments.

Adaptations

Have students research what's being done to make cities "greener" and more sustainable. They might investigate vertical farming, electric transportation, remodeling buildings with energy-efficient retrofits, etc.

Ask students to investigate some important technlogical developments from the Industrial Revolution, such as the advent of steam power, textile manufacturing, the invention of machine tools, etc.