ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES
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INFORMATION
ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES
The Smart Growth Educator's Resource Web site provides students with interdisciplinary activities presented in diverse formats, from research assignments and field trips to creative writing and role-playing. The activities engage the student in discovery-based experiences that build observation, interpretation, analysis and problem-solving skills. Each activity is packaged to include:
Concise overviews and instructions for teacher and student-directed interdisciplinary activities. You will find:
- A General Description
- Appropriate Grade Level (middle school or high school)
- Subject Areas
- Skill Areas
- Vocabulary
- Class Time Needed
- Goals and Objectives
- Materials and Equipment List
- Procedures and Teaching Suggestions
- Description of Activity/Activities
- "Hot Links" to other governmental, institutional, organizational and professional sites for information, related and extended subject matter
- Resources
ADDITIONAL
SUGGESTIONS FOR TEACHING
We suggest that students receive opportunities to understand Smart Growth issues, research, perspectives and solutions through interdisciplinary, inquiry and problem-solving methods. Smart Growth education is a combination of natural/life sciences, social sciences, history, political science, language arts and more. The study and understanding of Smart Growth requires knowledge of natural systems, as well as urbanism, urban planning, land use management and municipal and political dynamics. Altogether, the subject matter is very complex and considered by many authorities as "gray" by scientific standards.
 Smart growth is progrowth. We know that developers, banks and the entire community rely on growth to fuel the economy. The goal is not to limit growth, but to channel it to areas where infrastructure allows growth to be sustained over the long term. —Hugh
L. McColl |
Before beginning an activity, enlist the participation of the media specialist and librarian so that they can assemble the recommended materials on the Web site, as well as recommend additional resources for use.
Recruit speakers at least one week in advance. Assign the task to students so that they can enhance their phone communication abilities and develop organizational skills. Remember that this guide aims to promote hands-on, self-discovery experiences that empower students to construct their own knowledge.
Students may enjoy keeping a class journal of each activity and their reactions to the information and experiences they gain from them.
Your class or school may be interested in the design and development of your own Smart Growth Web site to share curriculum experiences with other students throughout the Southeastern United States. Chat rooms can be set up in which students and teachers can "talk" to agencies, universities, organizations or other schools about their experiments, field studies, etc.
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