Introduction

The urban landscape and its complexities constitute relevant areas for a 9th grade Geography study. This project will examine how cities have evolved over the centuries and how they present themselves today. By doing so we will be able to understand the correlation between urban development and changes in agricultural production, economics, and the culture of various populations.

Urbanization, an ongoing historic process, represents a shift from rural to urban society. It encompasses structural modifications in several areas, such as economics, infrastructure and culture. Studying such a process is fundamental to understanding the world we live in, especially cities and their roles as centers of political and economic power.

A city is also the backdrop of conflicts and the meeting point for distinct cultures and ethnicities, where migration and life in diverse environments fosters questions about identity and cultural representations. Studying these ethnic and cultural expressions fosters our comprehension of cultural plurality in a global context and reaffirms respect for differences.

Contextualization

More than half of the world's population lives in urban zones today, which brings about a series of issues that impact both the lives of people and governance itself. Challenges vary from assuring basic rights such as access to water and electricity, to more complex questions like managing waste and fighting pollution in urban centers.

Brazil, one of the most urbanized countries in the world, faces many such challenges. The fast-paced growth of Brazilian cities has led to several problems such as structural unemployment, growth of slums and urban segregation. Studying the urban environment can lead students towards a deeper understanding of these problems and spark the search for innovative solution.

For more in depth research and studies, take a look at the following material:

1. "Rebel Cities: From the Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street" by David Harvey. Available at libraries or bookstores (physical and digital).

2. "Cities of The Future", a series available on Netflix

3. IBGE's site, which offers a complete database about Brazilian Cities: https://www.ibge.gov.br/cidades-e-estados

Practical Activity: Virtual Mapping of a city

Objectives

This activity aims to enhance the student's comprehension of the dynamics of urban areas, enabling them to investigate a specific town or city's characteristics and structure.

Activity description

Students are to be organized in teams of 3 to 5 members, and each team shall choose one Brazilian city and map it virtually. The project will require the use of technological devices, research using digital media and analytic skills in order to comprehend the diverse characteristics that shape the urban landscape of the selected city.

The project is divided in three parts:

1.Research and planning: Students shall investigate the selected city, focusing in particular on its geography , demography, economy, culture, infrastructure and typical urban issues.

2.Virtual mapping: Using Google Maps, or similar apps and software, the students will produce interactive maps that include points of interest such as economical centers, residential neighborhoods, cultural facilities and parks. The map must portray the city's physical and functional structures.

3.Analysis and discussion: Relying upon the previous research, the students must discuss the main characteristics of their city - population density, cultural diversity , economy, urban issues - through analysis of the virtual map they designed.

Materials

• Computers with internet connection.
• Accounts on google or similar platforms for collaborative mapping.

Step by step instructions

• Divide the class in teams of 3-5 students.
• Each team will select a city to research and map.
• Teams will carry out initial research in order to gather information on the chosen city.
• The students will utilize Google Maps to produce an interactive map, marking relevant landmarks.
• Students will examine data gathered and discuss the city's most expressive characteristics.
• Lastly, the students will present their conclusions in a report.

Deliverables

At the conclusion of the project students must deliver the following items:

1.Interactive map: A shared link for the digital map of the selected city, created on Google maps. The file must include clear and detailed markings of landmarks and portray the physical and functional structure.

2.Report: A written report, using digital formats, which will include:

• Introduction: Provide context for the chosen city and highlight its relevance in a real world scenario. State the project's objectives.

• Development: Explain the theory behind urban environments, detail the activity carried out and the methodology employed. Present and discuss results. All discussions must directly reference the digital map created.

• Conclusions: Summarize the main topics addressed, detailing what was learnt about the selected city, and what conclusions can be drawn about the urban landscape in general.

• Bibliography: List all references consulted for research and production of this project.

This report is to be a collaborative project, with all team members participating in the production and review of its contents, thus ensuring it reflects all of their contributions.