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Future City Lange Middle School
Overview • The National Engineers Week Future® City Competition (www.futurecity.org) is an example of problem based learning with computer simulation. It is an integrated, multidisciplinary, holistic approach to relevant issues and is a strong example of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) education that addresses national and state academic content standards.
Competition Requirements • Need Engineer Mentor (Brian Adams) • SimCity 4 game ($10 per) • Create a product to meet a certain criteria • Write a City Narrative • Create the Future City Model (less than $100) • Orally present the model
Fun things • Kids learn how zoning and city planning works • Love the video game • No limitations for imagination • Allows them to make presentations • First overnight field trip • Learned from other students from other schools
Lessons Learned • Play SimCity4 prior to starting club • Need extra storage space for game on hard drive • Need to meet often and keep kids on track • Plan way ahead for project due dates • Do everything by the rubric • Create a “skit” to present project • Involve other departments for writing • Have class generate product and city ideas