Lesson 1: The Brawl Over Sprawl

Lesson 1: The Brawl Over Sprawl

Objectives:

Students will be able to:

Define sprawl and describe its characteristics.
Describe different perspectives on the issues associated with sprawl.

Core Learning Goals:

Social Studies: Goal 3 - Geography: The student will demonstrate an understanding of geographic concepts and processes to examine the role of culture, technology, and the environment in the location and distribution of human activities throughout history

Standard 4.3.12.4: Analyze patterns, trends and projections of population growth in places and regions and how these may affect the environment, society and government policy.

Standard 4.4.12.5: Describe why people have different viewpoints with respect to natural resource use.

Indicator 3.1.2: The student will evaluate the role of government in addressing land use and other environmental issues.

Materials/Resources:

National Geographic Map
Chart paper, markers
Anticipation Guide (provided)
" "The Brawl Over Sprawl" " Time, March 29, 1999
Newspaper clippings about sprawl and growth issues (refer to library websites – see How to Use this Guide.)

Background:

The Baltimore/Washington area was rated by the American Lung Association as the 7^th worst metropolitan area for air quality. Congested highways, air and water pollution, and impact on Chesapeake Bay are all by-products of unchecked sprawl. The release of the Census 2000 census figures provides urban planners, environmentalists and community activists with data to either mourn or celebrate. Development continues to grow across Maryland, including counties already stretched in terms of providing services to communities. Some of this development can be attributed to population growth,
but a lot of it is due to migration patterns. How should Maryland's counties deal with this suburban sprawl?

The State of Maryland has attempted to manage this growth by developing a Smart Growth program. Will this program be effective? What will its impact be on cities and suburbs? How will Smart Growth influence Maryland’s communities? The rights of the individual?

In this lesson, students will create a map of their "ideal" community, be introduced to the concept of "sprawl," and read an article to gather background information.

Activity: Defining Sprawl

1. In groups or in partners, ask students to list the characteristics of their ideal community and draw a map of that community. For example, where do people live? How do they get around? What amenities are available? See page 21 of Picture Maryland. Share in a gallery walk or through presentations. (15-20 minutes)

2. Ask students to classify their ideal community as suburban, rural or urban or some combination of these. In partners or groups, ask students to list the pros and cons of each type of community. Share with the whole group. (10-15 minutes)

3. Examine newspaper headlines associated with suburban sprawl. With students, discuss what images come to mind from the newspaper headlines. Ask: From these headlines, can you create a definition of the concept "sprawl?" Do you think sprawl will only happen in one type of community? Is sprawl a negative or a positive event? (10 minutes)

4. Explain that for the next 2-3 days, students will be investigating the issue of sprawl by reading articles, examining data, and completing a simulation activity.

5. Complete an Anticipation Guide before reading "The Brawl Over Sprawl."

6. Read "The Brawl Over Sprawl," Time, March 22, 1999. Read the definitions of sprawl and Smart Growth in Picture Maryland, page 6.

7. Complete a "graffiti board" activity about sprawl based on student knowledge at this point. (Take a big piece of chart paper and "graffiti" it with your images and ideas about sprawl -- use pictures, sentences, words, etc.)

8. Review the National Geographic Smart Growth map. Ask students to discuss the impacts of trends identified on side one of the map.

Assessment/Evaluation:

Revisit the Anticipation Guide to evaluate your beliefs/understandings about sprawl.

Contents | The Brawl Over Sprawl | "The Brawl Over Sprawl" Time Magazine article
Anticipation Guide

Next Lesson

Adapted with permission.