Sustainable and Resilient Communities

Step into the world of green and resilient community planning and urban design as we embark on an instructional unit filled with knowledge and creativity. Throughout this unit, students will delve into the architectural design field, learning how designers and planners utilize green and resilient principles to rebuild communities ravaged by climate-related disasters. Our journey begins with a solid understanding of geographical communities, community planning, and urban design fundamentals. As the unit progresses, students will be confronted with the stark reality of rebuilding devastated communities, setting the stage for them to apply their learning in a design challenge focused on community planning and urban design. Together, we will explore innovative solutions and empower students to make a lasting impact on the future of resilient communities.

Module Overview: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11yObGvbF_wfMlwuhRI3VWaupSV8M2ACg8dzGkq-8nMQ/edit?usp=sharing 

For the lessons that include slide decks, please make sure you check the notes at the bottom of individual slides for instructional recommendations and suggestions.

In this lesson, students will delve into the concept of geographical communities and gain an understanding of its definition and key components. They will explore the characteristics that shape urban, rural, and suburban communities, examining their similarities and differences. Furthermore, students will explore various career pathways associated with community planning and urban design. By the end of the lesson, students will have a broader understanding of geographical communities and the diverse range of careers available in community planning and urban design. 

Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RW0a4uMhKOckNzytI8VxdTDaXy6-8khyLmkfEremNBY/edit?usp=sharing

Slide Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/12FpUv9dGKMl2idTVsm41o6a0U0CaQYDT-Kmu20LWDXs/edit?usp=sharing 

In this lesson, students will engage in a hands-on activity to explore and identify the components of their community. They will be provided with a list of community elements such as residential areas, commercial areas, transportation, green areas, and public spaces. Using a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping system, students will apply their knowledge of these components to identify and map them within their own community. Through this activity, students will develop skills in spatial analysis and data interpretation as they navigate the GIS mapping system. They will gain a deeper understanding of the different elements that make up a community and how they are spatially distributed. This exercise also encourages students to actively engage with their surroundings and recognize the importance of community planning and design in shaping the physical environment.

Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12d1xZJU6bJioyU5upnON3onGS6xtOITImcYvO8csW-8/edit?usp=sharing 

Slide Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/12FpUv9dGKMl2idTVsm41o6a0U0CaQYDT-Kmu20LWDXs/edit?usp=sharing 

During this lesson sequence, students will gain a working understanding of sustainable and resilient community planning and design. They will identify a variety of principles and frameworks associated with sustainable and resilient communities. Working collaboratively, students will analyze and identify common characteristics of "green," "sustainable," and "resilient" planning and design practices. Additionally, students will develop a draft infographic or summary that highlights the importance of resilient communities, and the process of designing and building a resilient community.

Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aH1_498KIJq4kC5aO0eGhHsgZ0iE2oy-kSYFDo33X9M/edit?usp=sharing 

Slide Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/12FpUv9dGKMl2idTVsm41o6a0U0CaQYDT-Kmu20LWDXs/edit?usp=sharing 

In this lesson sequence, students will review the important fundamentals of global warming and climate change. They will begin by reviewing the fundamentals of global warming, including its causes and effects on the Earth's climate system. Students will then explore how climate change is impacting communities worldwide, focusing on the devastating consequences it has on social, economic, and environmental aspects. Through real-life examples, students will gain a deeper understanding of the severe challenges faced by vulnerable communities due to climate change. Students will also explore different case studies of communities that have been devastated by climate disasters and learn about different challenges and opportunities associated with rebuilding in climate vulnerable areas.

Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RGOBxMcuAe5_Mek1zaBNPG5J5vJHMvhGYx1hWY_H77k/edit?usp=sharing 

Slide Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/19wvg7WwCY8PUpkJW5MySjgQC-6x7KIl0gzAFMg6MoQ8/edit?usp=sharing 

Students will preview the resilient communities solutionary design challenge, and get into design challenge teams. As part of their group formation process, students will complete a public and operations agreement. To kick off their group work, students will take part in a group bonding activity and debrief by asking what they learned about themselves as a team from planning this game. 

Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BgIC8DhP2WVBlGbp3knAJsTrl3yuUhBa-HMAHfH4Y1E/edit?usp=sharing 

Slide Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1e-6LXY_7puoX2GPRwJ5QpdsDuvM0q35-izykV0Ks_CU/edit?usp=sharing 

In this solutionary design challenge, students engage in a comprehensive exploration of a community that has been devastated by a climate crisis. They begin the design challenge by exploring a case study about the community of focus - they research, share their findings, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing this community. Then students work in small groups to design a blueprint prototype for rebuilding the community using sustainable and resilient principles. Their design will also be informed by geographical constraints and guidance from the results of community empathy interviews. Finally, students pitch their resilient community prototypes to the whole class, justifying their choices and highlighting how their designs incorporate sustainable and resilient community practices. Throughout the process, students develop a holistic understanding of community rebuilding, from research to design to presentation.

Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MRIK7rnqbjmbwhIn3fD6rXAERaN5Vt0m1S19noQb04o/edit?usp=sharing 

Slide Deck:  https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1e-6LXY_7puoX2GPRwJ5QpdsDuvM0q35-izykV0Ks_CU/edit?usp=sharing 

In these lessons, students will showcase their design challenge solutions to their classmates, highlighting their innovative and sustainable approaches to addressing real-world problems. Students will have the opportunity to present their design challenge solutions and demonstrate their understanding of the problem, their design process, and the rationale behind their chosen solutions. The showcase will serve as a platform for students to articulate their ideas, showcase their creativity and critical thinking skills, and engage with their peers on key ideas. Following the presentations, students will engage in a community redesign process, either as a whole class or in small groups. They will identify common patterns and incorporate best practices from other designs. Through reflection and collaboration, students will refine their designs, promoting critical thinking and communication skills. By participating in the design challenge showcase, students will gain valuable experience in presenting and defending their ideas, receiving feedback, and engaging in thoughtful discussions. The showcase will foster a sense of pride and accomplishment, inspiring students to continue their solutionary endeavors and apply their skills in future projects and endeavors. The lesson also encourages iterative problem-solving and civic engagement.

Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RUV7HeXJI7Ggr0r6Do3p_R4pDITUnCuKPzpznDAMZAg/edit?usp=sharing 

Slide Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1e-6LXY_7puoX2GPRwJ5QpdsDuvM0q35-izykV0Ks_CU/edit?usp=sharing 

In the last lesson of the unit, students will complete two activities that support their reflection process: 1) an exploration of college and career pathways related to the content of this unit; 2) an individual reflection on key learnings from the unit both academically, and personally. 

Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/117mw6lJ4SRTEPjWk7CqaVW5hFFNX4xGckTiz0RhucEA/edit?usp=sharing 

Slide Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zERQxaxQ0ogbdFdSNexv5nbbSqMwUTSPmpB1IwFbezM/edit?usp=sharing