EARTHDATE: 11/02

Unit 9: Human Population: Land Use / Urban Design

Mark Ewoldson
AP Environmental Science
La Canada High School

Human Population and Land Use
Adapted from Ben Smith, Palos Verdes High School
Purpose: To plan a county-wide area with a population of 154,800 people.

First Day

Explanation of basic theory behind land-use planning.  This includes the need for zoning and compatible land-use planning.  For example, you would never want to put a factory adjacent to a residential area.  You need to be made aware of the need for commercial, residential and industrial areas, as well as, schools, parks, hospitals, airports, dumps, etc.  After the explanation of land-use theory, you can start developing a land-use plan for "Spartan County", using the small map and legend as a sort of scratch sheet. Finish your preliminary plan as homework.

Second Day (Block day)

Work in teams of three or four, discuss the pros and cons of each of your plans and develop a group plan (on a small map of Spartan County) which incorporates the best ideas and compromises from the group as a whole.  Then tape together a larger version of the map so you can make a finished product. Use color paper and markers to create a General Plan for the county based on the team's design.  Glue and scissors are necessary for this part of the activity. The group will make a written report about their plan.

Third Day

Each team will present their General Plan to the class and must justify their plan for SpartanCounty. Students in their seats must ask questions about the plan and make constructive criticism.  Teams presenting must logically defend their plan.

Rubric

Plans will be graded by fellow students using a rubric.

  1. Environmentally sound features in land use plan.
  2. Design shows careful thought and planning.
  3. Organized and neat.
  4. All required services/locations are included in plan.
  5. Identification of major industrial/manufacturing ventures with names and explanations.
  6. Energy sources used to power the city and surrounding area with names of and why these sources were selected.
  7. Identification of crops grown and why these were selected.
  8. Type(s) of forestry used with type of tree cutting method (if any).
  9. Names of three national parks and three wilderness areas and why they were placed in these locations.
  10. The name of the city.
  11. Realism of the plan while incorporating creativity and originality of thought.
  12. Oral presentation:
    1. Summary of design and brief explanation of why this plan was chosen.
    2. Speaking clearly and loud enough for the class to hear.
    3. Land-Use Design Plan is held-up/displayed during presentation for the class to view.
  13. Written Report:
    1. Summary of plan/design is clearly communicated.
    2. An explanation of how, specifically, this design is environmentally sound.
    3. Other significant specifics that you have incorporated.