Lesson 1: Unlocking Maps 

Open PPT

Lesson 2: Ranking a Map

Open PPT

Problem finding is a skill that helps us identify and understand real-world issues. We will practise this skill while learning more about Asia and the experiences and needs of people who live there.

We will begin with a bird’s-eye view of an Asian country, then zoom in to explore what we can notice at the country, city and even square-metre level.

Choose a place to investigate. What specific issues can you identify? These might include safety concerns, overcrowding, weather conditions, access to services, or contrasts between old and new areas.

As you examine a specific location, take time to research its history and context. How has the area changed over the past 10, 100 or 1,000 years? What may have caused these changes, and how do they affect the people who live there today?

Use Canva.com's Whiteboard to develop, organise and share your ideas. Create a mind map that connects all of your observations, research and possible solutions.

Success criteria

By the end of this task, you should be able to:

• Show photographs that zoom in from a broad view of your chosen country to a specific location.

• Identify specific details in the location, such as buildings, people, roads and features that make the space unique.

• Research how the area has changed over time and explain why those changes may have occurred.

• Identify at least one issue affecting the place or the people who use it.

• Connect your photographs, observations, research and ideas using a mind map in Canva Whiteboard.

• Develop a possible solution or response to the issue.

• Prototype an item that represents your idea, using cardboard and tape.

• Share your prototype with the class as a talking point, explaining the problem it responds to and how it could help.

Example location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Hong Kong, China

Read the example below. Then identify your own set of urban problems and research solutions that cities across Asia have used to address them. Explain how these cities have implemented their solutions and evaluate their effectiveness. Finish with a summary paragraph explaining why you think these efforts are working.

Lessons for (my city)

Problem:

Solution:

Summary:

Megacity: New York City

Problem 1: Housing & Cost of Living 

Rent and property prices are still very high, making life difficult for renters and people who own small homes. Money problems can cause families to be evicted or forced to move often, which makes their housing less stable. The high cost of living also means some people are choosing to leave the city and live somewhere more affordable.

Solution: 

Singapore has implemented a comprehensive strategy combining direct cash interventions, utility rebates, and vouchers to protect residents from rising costs. While, Tokyo is providing families with with money and making private school tuition fee to help families. 

Problem 2: Rubbish

The city looks durty and the amount of rubbish looks bad. I wonder if it smells bad too. 

Solution:

Singapore is an Asian megacity working to reduce its rubbish through its Zero Waste Masterplan. Singapore's government is seeking to be sustainable and resilient in daily life. Everyone is joining the effort as a country. 

Problem 3: Poor water & Flooding

The rivers look durty and brown. I read the aging sewers have problems draining and the streets flood often. Is there sewage in the river? 

Solution: 

Singapore has changed part of the Kallang River from a concrete canal into a natural river. When it rains heavily, the wide, grassy riverbanks hold extra water and help stop flooding. Special plants also clean the water by removing pollution. This project keeps the city safer and gives plants and animals a cleaner place to live.

Summary: 

Explain why you think these things are working. 

Megacities are trying to fix their problems so they can be safer, cleaner and better places to live. Like New York City, many big cities in Asia have expensive housing, lots of rubbish, dirty water and flooding. Singapore is helping families with money and vouchers, reducing rubbish and using plants to clean the Kallang River. Tokyo is also giving money to families. These solutions help people, animals and the environment.