Work with K-12 SchoolsMost schools are eager to demonstrate the link between classroom learning and real-world applications and welcome the opportunity to bring experts into the classroom. Bring National Community Planning Month to Your SchoolsTake Planning to the Classroom Click on the image to see all pictures. Teach high school students various aspects of planning by having them create a new neighborhood within their community. The City of Austin Neighborhood Planning and Zoning Department worked with a freshman geography class to teach elements of sound land-use and green community principles. The students were provided with various neighborhood maps that had a center portion excised out so they could create their own neighborhood. Students were encouraged to be creative while still considering the existing surrounding neighborhoods and incorporating sustainable elements. Poster ContestHold a poster contest around the National Community Planning Month theme. In 2008, the Planning Commission in Fairfax, Virginia, held a poster contest at two elementary schools. Students were encouraged to create a poster that illustrated an aspect of a green community. The commission awarded five prizes, including a solar operated car and a windmill. All those who entered the contest received a water-powered clock and certificate from the commission during a televised planning commission meeting. The top poster created by a fifth grader was featured in the CityScene newsletter that is mailed to all residents. Partner With TeachersIf you are excited by the prospect of working with young people during National Community Planning Month, contact K-12 educators as soon as possible with ideas for incorporating planning issues in to their curriculum. Use these lesson plans for ideas: Center for Understanding the Built Environment GIS for KidsNational Community Planning Month offers an opportunity for APA members to partner with these teachers to show students some of the ways in which GIS is used by public agencies and planning firms to analyze complex issues and illustrate proposed solutions. Walk to SchoolIs your community facing childhood health issues related to inactivity? Or are you interested in learning more about how good planning can enhance schools and the experience of students? Then you may wish to sponsor a Walk to School activity in your community. Resources for EducatorsKIDS ConsortiumThe KIDS (Kids Involved in Doing Service) Consortium works with teachers, administrators, and community partners to involve K-12 students in service-learning projects that address real challenges faced by their communities. Earth ForceSince 1994, Earth Force has been assisting teachers and students in developing and implementing community service projects linked to classroom learning. The Places We LiveProject Learning Tree is one of the most widely used environmental education programs in the United States. Learning activities include: Community Character, Mapping Your Community through Time, Neighborhood Design, Green Space, and Regional Issues. Going Places, Making Choices: Transportation and the EnvironmentThis innovative curriculum developed by the National 4-H Council is experiential and focuses on raising the awareness of high school students about transportation and personal mobility choices. Education for Sustainable Development ToolkitThis free, downloadable manual was created to help educators and community leaders reorient education so that it promotes greater understanding of sustainable development. The toolkit includes case studies, management techniques for initiating change into schools, exercises, and links to other websites. Smart Growth and Water Resource ProtectionPart of EPA's online "Watershed Academy," this module helps high school students understand how historical trends in growth patterns have become the most significant challenge for preserving water quality and meeting future water resource goals. Lesson PlanTry this lesson plan and teach your students about the history of their community. Learn how it was first planned and how it has evolved. You students can also learn about urban and regional planning with the Plan It handout. Reaching Out to Youth and StudentsArticles You may copy and share this article with others. Children's Book Club on Planning Career Information for School Visits | ||
