Have you ever wondered about how a city really works? In this project
           you will look at all of the different functions and parts of a city to determine
        how and why a city works!

                  Many cities around the world are known for famous man-made structures
that make their city one of a kind. For example:

Chicago - Sears Tower
San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge
New York City - Statue of Liberty
Washington, DC - White House

Each of these makes their city easily recognizable in any picture!

What man-made structures do you have in your city that make it unique? Even if you don't
have easily recognizable structures in your city, think about some that are unique. Share with
one another the information you have about physical structures in your area.

Where in the world is your city located? What kinds of landforms surround it? Is it close to a large body of water? What natural structures does your city have? Do those natural surroundings impact the way that buildings or other physical structures are built?

Discuss these questions with one another. See if you can find connections between natural and physical structures.

What businesses have the most impact on your city?
Do you have a major corporation that employs many of the people that live in your area?
Do you have oil or natural gas that flows from the ground?
How do the majority of people in your city make a living?
What stores and businesses are parts of your community?
What services are available?

If you need help, check out a business phone book from your area. Make a list of some of the businesses you find and share it with one another. Then discuss the questions listed above. Are there connections you see to the man-made and natural city structures you have already explored?

In this activity you will think about all the people necessary to make your city run.

What kinds of jobs are necessary to make a city run?
What are the political positions in your city and who holds them?
What other types of professional help maintain your city?
Who keeps your city safe? Clean?
Don't forget about the people who work in schools, hospitals and other important places
that all cities contain! How are these jobs connected to the political structures in the city?

Share your answers with one another. Would either of you like to hold a political office?
Why or why not?

What connections can you see between all of the structures that make a city work - man-made,
natural, economic and political? Could a city function without any of these types of structures?

Now think specifically about your city. What makes it unique and different from other cities?
If you have lived in more than one city, share that information with one another and discuss the
differences you found in these places!