The year is 2100 and our world’s supply of natural resources is at a critical level. Our Earth has become overrun with pollution and overpopulation. The United Nations have hired your team to design a sustainable city that will serve as the blueprint for the future of humanity. If you are not successful, the fate of humanity as we know it will cease to exist.

Each group designed a detailed plan, created a model for their sustainable city, and crafted a persuasive pitch to present at the next United Nations General Assembly. Click here to view the assignment instructions and the rubric.

Each group member was responsible for one of the following roles:

Secretary of Energy- How will you power your city?

• People expect high standards of living and technology increases energy usage. Today, we still use many non-renewable energy sources (oil, coal, and gas). We only have ⅓ of these resources left and need to invest in more renewable energy sources. 

Secretary of Agriculture-How and where will you grow enough food for your city?

• In a growing world, where will all of our food come from? Local food minimizes the amount of energy needed to transport food from farm to table. We also waste a lot of food (roughly 30% of our food gets thrown away. 

Secretary of the Interior- How will you make sure nature (green space) is incorporated, preserved, and encouraged in your city?

• Cities across the world have incorporated parks and green spaces in their plans. These increase happiness and wildlife survival rates. 

Secretary of Transportation-How will you help your citizens move around (travel) in a sustainable way?

• The way your citizens get around town is crucial for their happiness and efficiency. As you plan, keep in mind there can be a variety of transportation options offered to your citizens. 

Secretary of Waste Management-How will you encourage recycling and reduce waste in your city?

• Over 2 billion tons of waste are thrown away every year. Most of it is not recycled or composted. This waste ends up in landfills. Be sure to consider garbage, recycling, food waste, and human waste. 

Students were also challenged to review and incorporate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Students created incredible presentations using CoSpaces, a 3-D Model, and Minecraft to showcase their proposed cities. Check out their presentations below: