Future Cities

Future Cities is a program that stresses the idea of making the world a better place.  Sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students imagine, research, design, and build cities of the future.  Each year the students are presented with a problem and create a city to showcase their solution to a citywide sustainability issue.  The students submit a scale model built using recycled materials and a project plan.  They also present the model and have a question and answer session with the judges.  As an optional addition, each team can also write a 1,500-word essay.

Holy Rosary has participated for the past two years.  In 2019-2020, the students created a city one hundred years in the future that focused on clean water availability within the city.  In the 2020-2021 competition, the students designed a futuristic lunar city.  The students had to provide examples of how the city could be built on the moon.  Also, they needed to include resources that would keep the residents safe and healthy.  This year multiple model segments were allowed and everything was done virtually.  Each model needs a moving part.

Regional winners represent their region at the international finals.  Students that participate in Future Cities use the Engineering Design Process.  They apply science and math concepts to current real-world issues.  They learn how communities work and how to become better citizens when they develop solutions to problems that their communities face.  They develop writing and public speaking skills.  During this process, the students practice time management skills.