Unit 3 - Lesson 9: Generating Solutions to Common Urban Problems

Big Ideas of the Lesson

Global problems are problems that affect the whole of the Earth and potentially all of
the people who live on it.
Global problems require global solutions.
Sometimes global solutions involve many countries of the world working to solve a
single problem such as climate change together.
Sometimes global solutions involve people working together to come up with solutions
that can be applied to common problems like rapid urbanization that occur in many
places.

Lesson Abstract:
In this lesson students explore the importance of generating solutions for global problems. It
begins with a simple simulation in which students work in small groups as city planners designing
solutions for common urban problems. Students then participate in a jigsaw activity where they
investigate real-world solutions implemented in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. Finally, students are
introduced to the Urbanization Knowledge Platform, a global forum created to generate global
solutions to global urban problems.
Content Expectations:

6 and 7 G1.2.1; C.4.3.2; G1.3.1

6th Grade G1.2.4; C4.3.3
7th Grade C4.3.3

Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History and Social Studies: RH.6-8.7;
WHST.6-8.4.
Key Concepts
global problem
urbanization