the Councelor
the Homemaker
the Scientist
the Technologist
SDG 11: Concrete Jungle to Urban Oasis Lesson Plan
Overview
This is an engaging and interactive lesson plan designed to deepen students' understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special focus on SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. This lesson combines a podcast, interactive gameplay, and reflective exercises to offer students a comprehensive view of global sustainability efforts and their part in these initiatives.
Intro
Introduction for Teachers: Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Lesson Plan
This lesson plan is designed to deepen students' understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special focus on SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. This lesson combines multimedia learning, interactive gameplay, and reflective exercises to offer students a comprehensive view of global sustainability efforts and SS part in these initiatives.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Explain the importance and objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11.
- Identify challenges and solutions related to making cities and communities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
- Reflect on their own experiences and propose actionable ideas that contribute to these goals.
Lesson Flow:
Podcast Listening: The lesson begins with a podcast that introduces the SDGs, providing real-world context and highlighting the significance of global collaboration in achieving these goals. This will set the stage for the topic and engage students with compelling storytelling.
The podcast component of this lesson can be assigned as homework for a flipped classroom approach, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the SDGs at home and use class time for more interactive discussions and activities.
Escape Room Game: Following the podcast, students will participate in an online escape room game centered around SDG 11. The game is divided into five rooms, each focusing on a key aspect of SDG 11: inclusivity, accessibility, safety, resilience, and sustainability. Through interactive challenges guided by characters, students will encounter real-life, relatable scenarios that illustrate the complexities of sustainable urban development.
Students may need help in rooms with multiple-letter escape codes (from multiple-choice answers). Ensure you closely observe and offer support if they show signs of frustration, keeping the experience enjoyable and stress-free!
Wrap-Up Task: After completing the game, students will engage in a wrap-up session to consolidate their learning. They will reflect on their learnings, discuss in groups, and brainstorm actionable steps they can take within their communities. This task encourages critical thinking and empowers students to envision their role in making a difference.
Preparation:
- Preview the podcast and the online escape room game to familiarize yourself with the content and technical requirements.
- Prepare discussion questions and materials needed for the wrap-up task.
- Consider how to facilitate group discussions and presentations in your classroom setting, whether in-person or online.
This lesson plan is designed to be flexible and adaptable to various classroom settings and student groups. It aims to not only educate students on important global issues but also inspire them to connect these ideas to their environment and become proactive contributors to a more sustainable and equitable world.
Hey! Welcome to the lesson. Let's start with a little discussion.
Discuss in mini-groups, then present your ideas to the class:
- What’s one thing you love about living in a city or community?
- What are some challenges you think people face when living in cities?
- If you were mayor for a day, what would you change in your city?
Part 1: Podcast
The podcast introduces the SDG 11 and its multiple aspects. Use it as a warmer to introduce the topic.
https://soundcloud.com/katerina-astafeva-170940210/sdg11-podcast?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fkaterina-astafeva-170940210%252Fsdg11-podcast
After you can use some of these comprehension questions to check understanding.
- What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
- What is the main focus of SDG 11 discussed in the podcast?
- Besides planting trees and recycling, what other aspects are important for sustainable cities?
- How does Copenhagen aim to become carbon neutral by 2025?
- What is one benefit of vertical gardens mentioned in the podcast?
- What are some ways regular people can help achieve SDG 11 in their communities?
- According to the podcast, what are two ways individuals can reduce their carbon footprint?
- Besides reducing waste, what other action is mentioned in the podcast that can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle?
or add your own!
We will start this class by listening to the podcast. It will introduce the topic of SDGs and SDG11. What doest SDG stand for? What aspects of SDG11 will you hear? Take notes while you're listening.
Part 2: The Escape Room
Game Overview
The game is an online escape room designed to both spread awareness and educate on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, featuring five rooms centered on the goal's key aspects: inclusivity, accessibility, safety, resilience, and sustainability.
Within each room, players encounter a character who introduces them to the theme and guides them through real-life, relatable challenges. These challenges are created to connect players closely to the topic, enhancing their understanding and engagement.
To progress, players must solve 2-3 of these challenges per room, which, upon completion, reward them with a key to escape the room and advance to the next.
This interactive approach aims to deeply educate players on addressing various components of SDG 11 in an immersive and engaging environment.
Now you will jump into an online escape room game, all about Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, aiming to make our cities and communities better for everyone! In this adventure, you'll explore five different rooms, each focusing on making places more inclusive, accessible, safe, resilient, and sustainable—key parts of SDG 11. The characters in each room will guide you through real-world issues.
Solve the puzzles in each room to find keys that unlock the door to escape!
How to play the game
Topic and Characters
- Inclusive (Assigned to Claus Christensen, the Councelor (social worker)):
- Claus is an experienced social worker who is dedicated to fostering inclusivity in the city. He has a strong background in community development and a passion for helping marginalized groups.
- Accessible (Assigned to Hasan Hukka, the Homemaker):
- Hasan Hukka, as a homemaker and a father of 4, understands the importance of accessibility for families. He is dedicated to making sure that public spaces, transportation, and facilities are accessible to people of all ages, including parents with young children.
- Safe (Assigned to Anttoni Aalto, the Architect):
- Anttoni Aalto, the sustainable architect, prioritizes safety in urban design. He focuses on creating secure and resilient infrastructure, including buildings and public spaces, to protect residents from environmental hazards and ensure their safety.
- Resilient (Assigned to Tara Törmä, the Technologist):
- Tara Törmä, the tech innovator, specializes in smart city solutions that enhance the city's resilience. She develops technologies and systems that can withstand and recover from environmental challenges and crises.
- Sustainable (Assigned to Sari Salmi, the Scientist):
- Sari Salmi, the sustainability scientist, is deeply committed to the sustainability aspect of SDG 11. She works tirelessly to promote eco-friendly living, reduce pollution, and implement sustainable practices throughout the city.
Attached: personas' portraits
- Sari Salmi, the sustainability scientist, is deeply committed to the sustainability aspect of SDG 11. She works tirelessly to promote eco-friendly living, reduce pollution, and implement sustainable practices throughout the city.
Room 1: Safety
Task 1: Environmental Hazard Identification
- Description: Players identify and mitigate potential environmental hazards in a virtual cityscape, such as pollution sources, unsafe water, and areas prone to landslides or flooding.
- Key: number of hotspots
- The first part of the code: 8
Task 2: CyberSecure Challenge: Safe vs. Unsafe Actions in CyberSafe City
- Description: Players identify potential CyberSecurity hazards
- Key: The second part of the code: UUSSU
Mark receives an email from his bank asking for his account details.
- Unsafe: This could be a phishing attempt. Banks typically do not request personal account details via email.
Sara posts her family vacation photos on social media while still on vacation.
- Unsafe: Sharing real-time location details can make your home a target for burglary. It’s safer to post after returning home.
Nina sets up two-factor authentication (2FA) for her online banking account.
- Safe: Enabling 2FA adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access to her account.
Lucy downloads the city’s official app to pay for parking and local transit.
- Safe: Using official city apps for payments is generally secure, as they are likely to have proper security measures in place.
Carlos uses an open Wi-Fi network at the public library to access his personal emails.
- Unsafe: Accessing sensitive information over an unsecured network can expose data to cybercriminals. </aside>
Room 2: Accessibility
Task 1: Braille Code Breaker
- Description: Players are presented with words written in Braille. Using a provided Braille alphabet guide (link attached), they must decode the sentences. The guide is hidden in a separate hot spot.
- Key: The first part of the code: 30
https://twoblindbrothers.com/pages/braille
Task 2: Urban accessibility
- Description: Players are presented with a detailed and intricate picture of an urban environment. This environment is bustling with activity and includes various elements like buildings, streets, public transportation, parks, and sidewalks. The task is to scrutinize the picture and identify all the problems related to accessibility.
- Key: The number of problems they find is the number or the code. 6.
- The second part of the code: the number of problems you find! 6:
- 1. the elevator not working 2. the pit is open 3. the mud puddle
- 3. the ramp is blocked 5. littered crossroads 6. the street light not working.
Room 3: Inclusivity
Task 2: Diverse Culture Quiz
- Description: Players answer questions about various cultures represented in a virtual city, promoting cultural awareness.
- Key: Correct answers reveal a series of digits forming the key code.
- The first part CABAA
- What is a common practice when greeting someone in many Middle Eastern countries? A A firm handshake. B A bow. *C A light kiss on the cheek. D Avoiding eye contact.
- During the month of Ramadan, many Muslims: *A Fast from dawn until sunset. B Give up using technology. C Avoid speaking. D Fast every alternate day.
- In many East Asian cultures, it's considered respectful to: A Make direct eye contact when speaking. *B Bow slightly when greeting. C Speak loudly to show enthusiasm. D Address people by their first names.
- When invited to someone's home for dinner in many Western cultures, it's polite to: *A Bring a small gift, like wine or flowers. B Offer to take off your shoes. C Arrive exactly on time. D Greet the host with a hug.
- In many Indian households, it's customary to: *\A Eat food with your hands. B Refuse food on the first offer. C Bring your own utensils. D Start eating before the host. </aside>
Task 2: Multilingual Puzzle
- Description: listen to a speaker and match to a country
- Key: First letters of countries names
- The second part of the code: FSISPC
- France
- Spain
- Iran
- Sri Lanka
- Pakistan
- China
Room 4: Resilience
Theme Overview: This room will focus on various aspects of urban safety, including crime prevention, disaster readiness, and safe public spaces.
Task 1: Climate Change Effects
- Description: Matching exercise - climate change aspect - every day effect.
- Key: A successful plan reveals a digital key embedded in the plan's virtual document.
- THE FIRST PART OF THE KEY: "rainfall" sysnonym in the task, all CAPS. PRECIPITATION
Match Climate Change Effects: Increased Heat Waves Ice Caps Melting Oceans Getting Acidic Rising Sea Levels Disruption of Habitats and Loss of Biodiversity Disappearing Changing Precipitation Patterns More Frequent Severe Storms with
Houses get damaged more and sometimes no electricity.
Not enough fresh water to drink or use in farms. More floods near the sea.
Homes and places people live can get damaged.
Less nature to enjoy and visit.
Sometimes too much or too little water for plants and daily use.
People can get sick from the heat. It costs more to keep homes cool.
Fewer fish to catch and eat.
Task 2: Community Resilience Building
- Description: memory style game to match people
- Key: JAMES
Building a Community, connect people who can help each other! THE FIRST PART OF THE KEY: NAME OF THE PERSON WHO CAN HELP SHOPHIE, ALL CAPS
William, an aspiring chef, needs someone to taste and critique his culinary creations.
Sarah is a single mother who needs help with cooking as she works during the day.
Rebecca is a new immigrant who needs help learning the local language to communicate effectively.
Elena, a language enthusiast, is willing to teach newcomers and improve their language skills.
Javier is a struggling small business owner who needs advice on how to grow his company.
Emma, an experienced entrepreneur, is available to mentor and guide on business endeavors.
Sophie is visually impaired and needs help to read her mail and with essential paperwork.
James, a veteran, seeks companionship and someone to talk to regularly.
Olivia, a high school student, needs tutoring in math to improve her grades.
Mark, a retired teacher, is eager to share his knowledge by volunteering as a tutor.
Room 5: Sustainability
Task 1: Eco-Friendly Objects Scavenger Hunt
- Description: Players must locate and collect all eco-friendly objects. Each found object provides a clue or a part of a code that, when all are combined, reveals the location of the final key to "escape" the room.
- Key: collect particular items to make the key word: green
- The third part of the code: locate all eco-friendly objects, collect letters, make a word out of the letters
- Solar-Powered Lantern
- Clue: "I harness the sun's rays to light up the night."
- Sustainability Principle: Renewable energy usage.
- Bamboo Utensil Set
- Clue: "I grow quickly and leave a gentle footprint."
- Sustainability Principle: Sustainable material use.
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Clue: "I keep you hydrated without adding to plastic waste."
- Sustainability Principle: Reducing plastic pollution.
- Compost Bin
- Clue: "I turn your waste into garden gold."
- Sustainability Principle: Waste reduction and composting.
- Bicycle
- Clue: "I offer a clean and healthy way to travel."
- Sustainability Principle: Eco-friendly transportation.
- Energy-Efficient LED Bulb
- Clue: "I shine bright while conserving energy."
- Sustainability Principle: Energy efficiency.
- Rainwater Harvesting System
- Clue: "I catch what falls from the sky for your use."
- Sustainability Principle: Water conservation.
- Seed Packets of Native Plants
- Clue: "I bring local flora back to your garden."
- Sustainability Principle: Biodiversity and native planting.
- Thrift Store Clothing Item
- Clue: "I'm a fashionable choice that's also kind to the Earth."
- Sustainability Principle: Sustainable fashion and reducing textile waste. </aside>
Task 2: Recycling Sorting Quest
- Description: Players sort virtual waste into correct recycling, compost, and trash categories, emphasizing the importance of proper waste management.
- Key: Correct sorting unlocks a recycling bin where the key is hidden.
- The second number for the key: go
Players are presented with a variety of virtual waste items. The task is to sort these items into the correct categories: recycling, compost, and trash.
List of Objects and Correct Categories
- Glass Bottle
- Correct Category: Recycling
- Banana Peel
- Correct Category: Compost
- Plastic Shopping Bag
- Correct Category: Trash
- Aluminum Can
- Correct Category: Recycling
- Paper Newspaper
- Correct Category: Recycling
- Styrofoam Cup
- Correct Category: Trash
- Broken Ceramic Plate
- Correct Category: Trash
- Food Scraps
- Correct Category: Compost
- Plastic Water Bottle
- Correct Category: Recycling
- Cardboard Box
- Correct Category: Recycling </aside>
- Correct Category: Recycling
Task 3: Sustainable Lifestyle Quiz
- Description: Players answer questions about sustainable living practices, learning about energy conservation, water usage, and waste reduction.
- Key: Correct answers open a digital book on sustainability, where the key is bookmarked.
- The first part of the code: Your letters for correct answers in the order the questions appeared, e.g. ABCAB
DBABB
Q: If you were a superhero trying to save water, what would be your superpower?
- A: Shoot lasers from your eyes to clean dishes.
- B: Fly to bring rain clouds to dry areas.
- C: Turn wine into water.
- D: Take lightning-fast showers.
Correct Answer: D - Take lightning-fast showers.
Q: What's a sustainable way to enjoy music?
A: Listen to bird songs instead of MP3s.
B: Use a solar-powered music player.
C: Only sing songs about recycling.
D: Play air guitar to save electricity.
Correct Answer: B - Use a solar-powered music player.
Q: Which practice contributes most to reducing waste?
A: Buying products with minimal packaging.
B: Choosing disposable over reusable items.
C: Shopping for new clothes every season.
D: Using single-use plastic bags.
Correct Answer: A - Buying products with minimal packaging.
Q: How can you make your wardrobe more sustainable?
A: Wear clothes inside out for a new look.
B: Host a clothes-swapping party with friends.
C: Use old shirts as superhero capes.
D: Only wear clothes on Tuesdays.
Correct Answer: B - Host a clothes-swapping party with friends.
Q: How can you fight 'vampire energy' at home?
A: Dress up like garlic.
B: Unplug appliances when not in use.
C: Only use electronics at night.
D: Invite a vampire over to discuss energy use.
Correct Answer: B - Unplug appliances when not in use.
How to Play the Escape Room Game on ThingLink
Welcome to the Game, all about making cities better! Here’s a quick guide on how to play:
Starting the Game: Click on the link provided by your teacher to open the game. You’ll land on the ThingLink interface, where our escape room adventure begins.
Navigating the Rooms: You’ll find yourself in the first of five rooms. Look around by clicking and dragging your mouse, or using your finger on touch devices.
Meeting Characters: In each room, you’ll meet a virtual character. They'll introduce you to the room’s theme and give you your first challenge. To interact with characters or objects, just click on the icons that pop up as you explore. They might be hidden, so look carefully!
Solving Challenges: Each room has 2-3 puzzles or challenges based on real-life scenarios. Read the instructions carefully, and use your smarts to solve them. Remember, sometimes, you’ll need to find clues hidden in the room!
Collecting Keys: After solving all challenges in a room, you’ll receive a virtual key. This key unlocks the door to the next room. Click on the door to move forward.
Progressing Through the Game: Repeat the process in each room. Remember, each room builds on the last, so use what you learn as you go.
Finishing the Game: Once you’ve solved all the rooms’ challenges and collected all the keys, you’ve completed the game! Great job on navigating through all the puzzles and learning more about how to make our world a better place.
Reflect and Share: Think about what you’ve learned and discuss it with your classmates or friends. What was the most interesting thing you found out?
Wrap Up
After your students complete the online escape room game focused on SDGs and SDG 11, guide them through a reflective and creative wrap-up session to consolidate their learning, encourage critical thinking, and inspire actionable ideas. Here's how you can facilitate it:
Arrange a class discussion or ask students to form small groups to talk about their experiences with the game (SS questions). Encourage them to share challenges they found interesting and what they learned about SDGs and SDG 11.
Ask students to brainstorm additional strategies or actions that could contribute to achieving SDG 11, emphasizing inclusivity, safety, resilience, and sustainability in cities and communities. Encourage them to think about changes they could advocate for or implement in their local area.
Extension: Ask students to come up with a small, actionable plan on how they can apply what they've learned to make a difference in their community or school. This could be a project proposal, an awareness campaign, or a personal commitment to certain sustainable practices.
Congratulations! You have solved all the puzzles!
Now that you've seen some solutions and ideas in action through the game:
What are some key things you learned about SDGs and specifically SDG 11 during this adventure? How do they connect to real-life situations and problems you're aware of?
How can you apply what you've learned from this game to make a positive impact on your local environment or community?
Can you think of additional ideas or actions that could help achieve SDG 11? Consider what changes could be made in your own community or school to support these goals.How do you think you can encourage others to work towards these goals too?