Lesson plan: Mapping Local Green Spaces for Sustainable Cities | UCF-4.2.1

Topic: “Where is the green? Mapping and improving our local environment”

Key Focus:

• Green skills: Understanding urban ecology, sustainable urban planning, biodiversity, and the benefits of green spaces.
• Digital skills: Using GIS tools or mapping apps (e.g., Google Earth, ArcGIS, OpenStreetMap), data collection with mobile devices, and basic data visualization.
• Spatial skills: Analyzing maps, measuring distances and areas, interpreting satellite images, and evaluating spatial distribution.

Lesson Idea:

Students investigate green spaces (parks, gardens, trees) in their local area. They collect data on location, size, and condition using digital tools and create a digital map. Based on their findings, they suggest improvements to make their community greener and more sustainable (e.g., more trees, green roofs, vertical gardens).

Target Group: Ages 10–15 (adaptable)
Duration: 2–3 lessons (45 minutes each)
Main Goal: Students investigate, map, and evaluate local green spaces using digital and spatial tools, and suggest improvements for urban sustainability.

Student Worksheet (overview)

Sections:

• Introduction: What are green spaces and why are they important?
• Task 1: Explore your local green spaces
• Task 2: Use digital tools to map them
• Task 3: Analyze and reflect (biodiversity, accessibility, use)
• Task 4: Design ideas to improve green areas

Digital Tools & Resources

Free & Easy-to-Use Tools:

• Google Earth Web: Ideal for marking green areas and taking measurements
  https://earth.google.com/
• Google My Maps: Students can create custom maps collaboratively
  https://www.google.com/maps/
• OpenStreetMap + uMap: Open-source mapping tool, ideal for advanced students
  https://umap-project.org/

Satellite Image Sources:

Sentinel Playground (EO Browser)
https://apps.sentinel-hub.com/sentinel-playground
(for exploring vegetation cover, NDVI, and urban development)

Note: NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normalized_difference_vegetation_index

Suggested Student Tasks

Task 1: Identify & Visit a Local Green Space

• Observe the space: trees, grass, benches, biodiversity, cleanliness
• Record your findings: photos, notes, GPS coordinates (optional)

Task 2: Map It!

• Use Google My Maps or uMap to mark the location
• Add photos and descriptions
• Measure area or walking distance

Task 3: Analyze

• Is the space accessible?
• Who uses it? How?
• Are there trees or shade?
• Could it support biodiversity?

Task 4: Improve It!

• Design a greener, more sustainable version of this space
• Add drawings, digital design, or narrative
• Present ideas in class or to a local community partner

Assessment Criteria (suggested rubric)