What children will learn
- Understand land-use zones and why planners separate or mix them
- Design a transport network that connects people to places
- Explain and justify planning decisions
You'll need
- This page printed, or a large sheet of paper ruled into squares
- Pencils and coloured pencils
- A ruler
- Building blocks or recycled boxes (optional, for a 3D model)
How to do it
- Brainstorm what a city needs: homes, shops, workplaces, schools, a hospital, a library, parks, sports fields and somewhere for rubbish and recycling.
- Give your city a name and a natural feature, such as a river, beach or hill. Decide where it goes on your map first.
- Plan the zones on the grid using a colour key: homes (H), shops (S), parks (P), community buildings like schools and hospitals (C) and industry (I). Think about what should be close together and what should be kept apart.
- Add transport: main roads, a train or bus line, bike paths and footpaths. Try to make sure every home is a short walk from a stop or a park.
- Present your city as the mayor. Explain one thing that makes it a great place to live and one problem you solved.
Make it easier
Design a single neighbourhood with ten buildings and one park, and draw the roads between them.
Make it harder
Add a population target, plan for a flood zone along the river, or include ways to save water and energy.
Parent tip: Next time you're out, point out real zones and transport links and ask 'Would you have planned it this way?' It turns everyday trips into geography lessons.
Dream City Planning Grid
Name: ____________________ Date: ____________
Each square is a city block. Label it H homes, S shops, P park, C community or I industry, then draw transport lines.
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Fantastic work! Every little step helps you grow.