Should the local government regenerate this area?

Contents
At a glance
Lesson information
Learning objectives
Prior knowledge
Teacher preparation
Provided materials
Lesson plan
Related Kialo Edu discussion

At a glance

  • Category: Geography
  • Ages: 13-15
  • Suggested length: 3-4 class periods (45-55 minutes each) 
    • The length of this activity will depend on the class size, as students will work in groups of 3-4 to develop and present projects. It is recommended that the teacher define a convenient presentation time for each project.
  • Device accessibility: 1 device per 2-3 students

In this lesson, students will examine a Kialo Edu discussion evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of urban regeneration. After exploring arguments for and against regenerating the district, students will work in groups to design and present targeted regeneration projects, such as renovating or constructing specific buildings, improving infrastructure, or building community.

Students’ projects should also include solutions to address some of the drawbacks to urban regeneration that are presented in the Kialo Edu discussion. Students will be assessed based on the quality of the projects presented, including their understanding of the controversies around urban regeneration.

Lesson information

Learning objectives

In this lesson, students will:

  • Examine reasons for and against regenerating an impoverished urban area.
  • Design and present a project as part of an imaginary urban regeneration initiative.

Prior knowledge

For this lesson, some students may need support understanding the functioning of public services (e.g. taxes, public vs. private companies, etc.).

Teacher preparation

  • Make 1 clone of the discussion for each class.
  • Enable voting on the new clone(s).
  • When inviting students to the discussion, give them Suggester permissions to allow voting.
  • Students will need sketching materials (i.e. pencils, card, markers, etc.).

Provided materials

  • The Kialo Edu discussion, “Should the local government regenerate this area?” This consists of:
    • A brief background on the fictional area of Leonem.
    • A fully developed Kialo Edu discussion for students to explore. The discussion presents the issues and benefits of regenerating the area.
  • Lesson plan for educators (downloadable in .docx / .pdf).
  • Instructions for students (downloadable in .docx / .pdf).
  • A list of locations in Leonem for students to work with in their projects (downloadable in .docx / .pdf).
  • Suggested rubric for project presentations (ages 11-13) (downloadable in .docx / .pdf).
  • Suggested rubric for project presentations (ages 14+) (downloadable in .docx / .pdf).

Lesson plan

Suggested length: 3-4 class periods (45-55 minutes each)

Lesson components:

  • Opener (10 minutes)
  • Activity
    • Part A: Exploring the Kialo Edu discussion and choosing a project (focus of 1 class period)
    • Part B: Students prepare their projects (focus of 1 class period)
    • Part C: Students present their work (focus of 1-2 class periods) 
  • Optional closer (5 minutes)

Assessment:

  • Students will present ideas for community-conscious regeneration projects and be assessed in groups. (see suggested rubric)

Opener (10 minutes) 

  1. Play this video explaining the concept of gentrification.
  2. Have a class discussion about why they think gentrification is a controversial topic.

Optional extension: To help the students start grasping the complex issue of gentrification, ask them to reflect on how regenerating an urban area may or may not affect vulnerable residents.

Activity

Part A: Exploring the Kialo Edu discussion and choosing a project (focus of 1 class period)

  1. Allow students some time to read through the Kialo Edu discussion to familiarize themselves with the potential drawbacks of regenerating the fictional area of Leonem. 
  2. Explain to students that the aim is to make a plan for urban regeneration while minimizing the negative impacts for the district’s residents, and that the Kialo Edu Edu discussion will help them become aware of the issues that they may encounter and possible solutions that can be implemented.
  3. Ask students to vote on the 5 claims that they consider to be the most important by giving each a score of “4.” Students should use these claims as guiding principles while designing their projects. 

TIP: You may wish to demonstrate voting to your students. Pick any claim and model how to give it a score of “4.” You can then revoke your vote by clicking on the “4” again.

  1. Go through Part B of the student instructions with the class.
  2. Go through the assessment rubric for presentations with the class.

Part B: Students work on their projects (focus of 1 class period)

  1. Direct students to work on their urban regeneration projects.

Part C: Students present their projects (focus of 1-2 class periods)

  1. Groups take turns presenting their projects to the rest of the class.
  1. Students use the presentation rubrics to evaluate the other team’s projects.

Optional closer (5 minutes) 

  1. Students vote for the top 3 projects. They can vote individually or as part of their group. The project with the most votes will be the winner!

Related Kialo Edu discussion

Should the local government regenerate this area? — kialo-edu.com

Downloads