Activity
Day 1
1. Divide the class into groups of 4 students. Each student
will be assigned one research idea to share and explain
with the rest of the group once the research is completed.
Give each student the chart “Hello Mexico City.” Tell
the students that each one will receive one of the following
chart topics to research and take notes in one class
period:
Cultural
Characteristics: In this section students must research
and answer the following:
1.
What is the predominant language spoken in Mexico City?
What other languages are spoken
in the city that
may not be as common but are still part of the culture
and history of the city?
2. What is the major religion practiced in Mexico
City? Are there any growing religions or native religions
that are notable?
3. Explain the art history of Mexico City, including
its architecture, major painters/muralists, and museums.
Economic
Activities/Major Resources: In this section students
research and answer the following:
1.
What are the major industries in Mexico City?
2. How does manufacturing play an important role
in the city?
3. What is NAFTA?
4. What infrastructure problems does the city
have?
5. What are some of the major natural resources
of the city?
Physical
Features/Geography: In this section students research
and answer the following:
1.
What are the major mountain ranges in Mexico City?
2. What are the major waterways/rivers/lakes
in the city? Where do residents get most of
their drinking
water?
3. What is the city’s climate during each season,
including special weather patterns that may affect the
climate of the city?
4. Explain if there are any unique physical
features that might affect the climate of the
city.
Population
and Urban Geography: In this section students research
and answer the following:
1.
Explain some of the city’s
major functions, including its methods of transportation,
major parks,
universities, and commercial/industrial areas.
2. What is the average educational level
of its residents? Average age?
3. What is the average yearly income of
its residents?
4. What is its birthrate?
5. What areas of Mexico City are most densely
populated?
Day
2
2. On the second day, students return to
their groups and begin their round robin
discussion/explanation.
The teacher starts with the first research
topic and gives
all those students with the first topic/second
topic,
etc., the opportunity to explain their
research in increments of 10 minutes
each. As each
topic is presented,
the rest
of the group members take notes until
the entire chart is completed.
Closure
The
teacher explains to the class, in the last 10 minutes, that
Mexico City is just one example of the various cultural, economic,
and physical elements all cities have. Point out that based
on these elements, especially their changing and growing needs;
cities will have to learn to deal with the problems and issues
associated with growth.
Homework
Evaluate your chart and identify some
of the potential problems and/or issues you see Mexico
City will have to contend with in the coming years. |
