LESSON PLAN

Introduction

This activity is intended to get youth thinking about ways they can be actively involved in transforming their community. Students will participate in a photo walking tour, complete a think sheet, and create a collage. Before the meeting, determine a walking route that students can complete in 30 minutes or less.

Total Time: 2 Hours

Walking Tour: 30 Min.

Start the meeting by introducing the area the students will be walking. It may be an area they engage with often, but outline the route and hot spots. Make sure each student (or pair if needed) is equipped with a camera. Lead the students along the predetermined route. They will snap photos of different spaces along the route. Encourage them to consider the following ideas when taking photos:

• What space feels new or old?
• Where are places restoration has taken place?
• Where are spaces that we could increase safety?
• What is a space you would take photos with friends?
• What space doesn't fit with the area around it?

Discussion: 30 Min.

Have each student fill out the "Think Sheet" to reflect on what they saw during the walk. Use this time to print out each student's selected photo. Lead the students in a short discussion based on the questions on the worksheet. Topics to consider include safety, community image, narrative, historic vs. modern, etc.

Collage: 45 Min.

Based on the students responses and think sheet, have them create a photo collage. Using the photo they took, encourage students to envision what could be changed to make it feel welcoming, safer, interactive, or fun. Using images clipped from the magazines and hand drawn elements, the students will be able to create a visual of what they would do to the space. It can be as imaginative or realistic.

Reflection: 15 Min. 

After the students have completed their collage, invite them to present their ideas to the class. Note why the students selected each element and how they talk about it in relation to the community. What elements influenced their decisions?

COMMUNITY COLLAGE THINK SHEET

Brainstorm:

Answer the following questions to help you figure out what is important to your community. Consider places and things you saw on the walking tour to answer each question.

What are some Instagram spots? 

What makes you feel safe?

What would you add to your community?

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?

List 3 places in your community you spend most of your time.

What is something you wish your community had and why?

Draft:

Use the spaces below to sketch out 3 potential elements of your collage.

Note: 

Record any thoughts, feelings, inspiration, or other information that may be helpful for your final collage.

COMMUNITY COLLAGE EXIT SURVEY

Please fill out the questions below so we can continue to offer community design programs!

Please rate the following skills based on your ability before and after the class.

1- Not very confident in ability 

10- Very confident in ability

1. Awareness of downtown amenities

   Before Class: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

   After Class: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

2. How to create a photo collage

   Before Class: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

   After Class: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

3. Why Photo collages are useful

   Before Class: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

   After Class: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4. The Impact of Community Design

   Before Class: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

   After Class: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

5. What is one thing you learned today?
6. What is something you would like to see in your community based on discussions today?

7. Are there any other topics related to community design you would like to learn more about?

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