New roads, new businesses, new developments, new mass transit systems. All growth has both positive and negative effects on communities. Government classes investigate the principles of Maryland's 1997 Smart Growth program and the effectiveness of the program in reducing pollution. Teams then plan a development for an area following Smart Growth guidelines.

 

Concepts

economic growth, population growth, urban planning

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Have groups investigate the current status of Maryland's Smart Growth program or similar programs in their state or community

Classroom Considerations

• Although based on the Maryland program, the principles could be applied to any state or area
• The 15th in a series of 19 related resources

Pros

• The three-page packet includes the plan and information on Maryland's Smart Growth Program

Cons

• The data is dated