🌍 Social StudiesGrade 4Lesson 34
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Design a sustainable city

Lesson preview: the Mini Lesson and Vocabulary are open to everyone. Guided practice, exercises, the parent checklist and the printable PDF worksheet come with full access (free 7-day trial or membership).

Learning Objectives

  • 1Define sustainability and explain why it matters for cities
  • 2Identify key features of a sustainable city (green spaces, public transport, recycling)
  • 3Describe how geography and climate affect city planning
  • 4Explain basic economic concepts related to city resources and public services
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Mini Lesson

A sustainable city is designed to meet the needs of its people today without using up resources that future generations will need. Sustainable cities use clean energy, reduce waste, protect green spaces, and provide public services efficiently.

Key Features of a Sustainable City

  • Green spaces — parks and gardens that clean the air and give people places to relax.
  • Public transport — buses, trains, and cycling paths that reduce car pollution.
  • Renewable energy — solar panels and wind turbines that generate clean electricity.
  • Recycling programs — systems to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste.
  • Efficient buildings — homes and offices designed to use less water and energy.

Geography and City Planning

Where a city is built affects how it is planned. Cities near rivers need flood protection. Cities in hot climates need shade and ventilation. Coastal cities may use sea breezes and tides for energy. Mountains and plains each offer different resources and challenges.

Economics of Sustainable Cities

  • Public services (schools, hospitals, water) are funded by taxes paid by citizens.
  • Supply and demand determine which goods and services a city provides most.
  • Zoning laws separate housing, industry, and parks to keep the city organized.
  • Investing in green infrastructure saves money on health and energy in the long run.
Sustainable City ZonesSustainable City ZonesHousingHomes and schoolsSolar panels on roofsCycle paths nearbyGreen SpacesParks and gardensTrees clean the airWildlife habitatsPublic TransitBuses and trainsLess car pollutionElectric vehiclesClean IndustryFactories and jobsWind turbinesRecycling centersHubZones are connected by transport routes
Sustainability GoalsSustainability GoalsPeopleSchoolsHospitalsClean waterSafe homesJobsPlanetClean energyLess wasteGreen spacesRecyclingClean airProfitTradeBusinessTaxesInvestmentServicesBalanced cities serve People, Planet and Profit
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Tip: a sustainable city balances three things — People (social needs), Planet (environmental protection), and Profit (economic growth). These are called the three Ps of sustainability.

Vocabulary
sustainable
Able to last a long time without using up resources.e.g. Bike lanes make a city more sustainable.
public transport
Buses, trains, and trams shared by many people.e.g. Public transport reduces traffic and pollution.
recycling
Turning used materials into new products.e.g. Paper, glass, and plastic can be sorted for recycling.
green space
An open area with grass and plants in a city.e.g. The new park gives the neighborhood more green space.
resource
Something useful that people use, like water or wood.e.g. Cities must protect their water resources.
city planning
Deciding how a city is laid out and how it grows.e.g. City planning chooses where to put schools and parks.
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