Teams of middle-school students from all over the state work throughout the fall semester to develop city dioramas and presentations in preparation for the annual competition.
League staff were present once again to judge the "Building Quality Communities" special award. This award is given to the team that best demonstrates how a city government can improve the quality of life for its citizens. This may include the ways that city leaders include others in making decisions or the policies and services that make citizens' daily lives easier and more meaningful.
All-in-all, a total of 15 special awards and three general awards were presented at the event.
Our pick
The "Crystal Waters" team from Valley Middle School of STEM in Apple Valley took home the "Building Quality Communities" award at the 2016 Future City Regional Competition. |
Students integrate things like zoning, public safety services, and green space into their designs. |
How they do it
Early in the school year, students learn about planning a city and flex their knowledge using Sim City to design their own model city. Then they write an essay describing the systems, amenities, and solutions their design incorporates.
Alternative forms of energy, including wind and solar, make an appearance in Crystal Waters, too. |
- Where is my city located? Space? The ruins of a modern-day metropolis? A volcano-turned island? The sky is (literally) the limit.
- What kind of transportation do citizens have access to? Solar cars? Monorails? Gondolas in the mountain air?
- How does my city manage waste? Where do I locate the recycling plant? What can my city reuse?
See recaps of past Future City Regional Finals and the Building Quality Communities Award winners: