Sample Lesson

Our Cities® Activity Two: Building a City
Students examine the role of a builder and become aware of how that job is interconnected with the job of the city planner.

Key Learning Objectives

• understand the importance of city planning and how it impacts the local economy
• recognize some of the skills a builder needs

Go over the definitions (blueprint, scale, quality, and construction). Students previously learned about the concept of zoning, which will come into play in this lesson.

Hand out blueprint and rulers. The students do various measurements from the blueprint, learning a basic concept behind building construction. Have kids assemble all the buildings, allowing time to decorate (markers work best). Place the large map of city zones on the floor. Have kids bring up their building and place in the appropriate zone.

Leave the map and buildings for the teacher.