Bexley Middle School of Bexley Ohio submitted the winning essay for the 2009 National Engineers Week Future City Competition. Their city of the future, Novo Mondum, took first place in the national competition.
Student teams work with a teacher and engineer to design and build a city of the future. Using SimCity 4 Deluxe software, they design then build three-dimensional, tabletop models to scale. The models cannot cost more than $100 to build. The students must use recycled materials. In addition to written abstracts, students must present and defend their designs to a panel of engineer judges who evaluate the teams’ knowledge.
The grand prize winners of the National Finals will receive a trip to U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Future City Design
- Opportunity for innovative city designs that incorporate sustainable practices and utilize recycled materials.
- Student Engineering Competitions
- Potential for more engineering competitions that encourage students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
- Integration of Technology in Education
- Opportunity to further incorporate technology, such as SimCity software, in educational programs to enhance learning and creativity.
Sectors Adopting This
- Architecture and Urban Planning
- Disruptive innovation potential lies in the development of eco-friendly and sustainable city designs.
- Education and Training
- Opportunity for creating more student-focused engineering competitions and programs to foster innovation and STEM skills.
- Software and Gaming
- Potential for software developers to create educational games that combine entertainment and learning, like SimCity, for students to engage with.
