Our Prairie Third Graders have worked with the Box City project for five years. It has been a terrific learning experience for all of us. Our Social Studies curriculum focuses on communities. We learn a lot about how cities begin, what needs and services are required, and what other attractions enrich a city. Our Jr. Achievement program, which we have in the fall, is a great introduction to city life. We learn about zoning, city planning and other aspects of community life which we put into place with our Box City.

Each student creates a house from the GeoBlocks (ordinary counting cubes). We discuss architecture, and learn about blueprints. Students create their plan, and then use construction paper to make the houses. Many have decks, steps, shutters, and interesting facades. We have a retirement facility, and apartments also, to show the needs of various housing. As a class, we brainstorm the services our city needs. Those buildings are made with cubes and recycled boxes and are assigned to individuals. We include a City Hall, Police and Fire Station, library, school, hospital, industry, airport, shops, restaurants, hotel, museums, and office buildings as needs. We usually have a ball park or stadium, swimming pool, parks, movie theater, video store, as some of the places which provide a amenities for the residents.

We use a large piece of construction paper and place our buildings in appropriate places with zoning in mind. Usually our city is a river city, because so many cities began this way. Kansas City is a river city, so that makes this connection. Then we add streets, trees and greenery, and matchbox cars to make our city come alive. Our last step is to name our city. We vote on a name after it's assembled.

Part-Whole Project
The students really love the project. For most 3rd graders, projects they have done are whole-part projects. They see the whole project or a model of what's expected and then they create the parts. This is a part-whole project. It provides a sense of mystery and anticipation. We never know exactly what the whole city will look like until it's assembled with everyone's part incorporated into the whole.

This project allows children to create and connect their understanding of a city. Some students work in groups on parks, greenery, streets and signage which requires cooperation. Compromise is sometimes involved, such as placement of buildings and residences, and other decisions. As our city evolves, the students' ownership of their city becomes apparent. They are always proud of their accomplishment. We have this project on display on our Open House night and many other families drop by to enjoy it.

Contact: Mary Ellen Kirtley (prkirtle@smsd.org) and Ginny Graves (ginny@cubekc.org)
Resources:

Box City curriculum
Box City classroom pack (40 boxes including gable roof residential size)
Box City video
GeoBlock Game