Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Ancient Cities and Contemporary Cities

Objectives

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The aim of this stage is to provide a solid foundation for students to understand the importance of cities throughout history and how they have transformed up to the present day. This will allow students to develop practical research and critical analysis skills, which are essential for understanding the modern world and its connection to the job market, where such skills are highly valued.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the evolution of cities from ancient times to the contemporary era.

2. Identify and compare the characteristics, similarities, and differences between ancient and contemporary cities.

Side Objectives

1. Develop research and critical analysis skills regarding urban development.
2. Stimulate curiosity about the history and development of societies.

Introduction

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

The aim of this stage is to provide a solid foundation for students to understand the importance of cities throughout history and how they have transformed up to the present day. This will allow students to develop practical research and critical analysis skills, which are essential for understanding the modern world and its connection to the job market, where such skills are highly valued.

Contextualization

Since ancient times, cities have been the heart of civilizations. From the first metropolises in Mesopotamia to the vast contemporary megacities, cities have played a crucial role in the development of society, economy, and culture. Understanding this evolution helps us better comprehend how we live today and to plan the future of our cities.

Curiosities and Market Connection

Did you know that the ancient city of Rome had a sewage system as advanced as some modern cities? Furthermore, professions such as urban planners, architects, and civil engineers are essential for planning and building the cities of the future, ensuring they are sustainable and efficient. These professions are highly valued in today’s job market.

Initial Activity

Start the class with a provocative question: 'How do you imagine cities were 2000 years ago compared to today?' Then, show a short video of 3 to 4 minutes comparing ancient cities with contemporary ones, highlighting their main characteristics and evolutions.

Development

Duration: 55 to 60 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to provide a practical and collaborative experience that allows students to apply and consolidate the knowledge acquired about the development of cities. The construction of the model and the fixation exercises will reinforce the understanding of the characteristics and evolutions of cities throughout history, in addition to developing research, critical analysis, and teamwork skills.

Covered Topics

1. Origins of the first cities in Mesopotamia and Egypt
2. Urban development in Greece and Rome
3. Characteristics of medieval cities
4. Urban transformations during the Industrial Revolution
5. Contemporary cities: technology, sustainability, and urban planning
6. Comparison between characteristics of ancient and contemporary cities

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how human needs and available technologies influenced the construction and development of cities throughout history. Ask: 'How do you think life in ancient and contemporary cities affects the people living in them?'

Mini Challenge

Construction of a Model City

Students will be divided into groups and each group will build a model representing an ancient or contemporary city. They will use recyclable materials such as cardboard, plastic bottles, caps, among others.

Instructions

1. Divide the class into groups of 4 to 5 students.
2. Distribute recyclable materials among the groups and provide scissors, glue, tape, and other necessary materials.
3. Each group must decide whether to build an ancient or contemporary city and plan the elements they will include (buildings, streets, squares, etc.).
4. Guide students to start building the model, encouraging collaboration and task division within the group.
5. After completing the construction, each group will present their city to the rest of the class, explaining the chosen characteristics and the rationale behind them.

Objective: Develop practical skills in construction and teamwork, as well as deepen knowledge about the characteristics of ancient and contemporary cities.

Duration: 35 to 40 minutes

Evaluation Exercises

1. List three main characteristics of the cities in Mesopotamia and explain why they were important.
2. Compare the cities of Ancient Rome with a contemporary city you know. What are the similarities and differences?
3. Explain how the Industrial Revolution transformed cities and urban life.
4. Describe how technology is influencing the urban planning of contemporary cities.

Conclusion

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The aim of this stage is to consolidate the knowledge acquired by the students, providing a space for reflection and discussion about the importance of the studied topic. Recapping the covered contents helps to solidify learning, while the connection to the job market highlights the practical relevance of the skills developed during the class.

Discussion

Facilitate an interactive discussion among students, asking how they think the evolution of cities impacts their daily lives. Encourage students to reflect on what they learned during the construction of the models and how these activities helped them better understand the characteristics of ancient and contemporary cities. Ask: 'How do you think cities of the future might look? What technologies and practices could be incorporated to improve life in cities?'

Summary

Summarize the main points discussed in the class, highlighting the evolution of cities from Mesopotamia to modern times. Reinforce the main characteristics of ancient and contemporary cities, the urban transformations throughout history, and the influence of technology and urban planning on current cities.

Closing

Explain how the class connected theory and practice through construction activities and fixation exercises. Emphasize the importance of historical understanding of cities for comprehending contemporary urban problems and their solutions. Conclude by reinforcing the significance of the topic for the job market, especially in the fields of urbanism, architecture, and civil engineering, and how the skills developed during the class are applicable in real contexts.