The Built Environment
One of the most important issues in the unit is to give students a sense of identity, both individually and as a group. During their teenage years students constantly wonder, who they are, where they fit in , the makeup of their community, and what their role is in their society.
To study the built environment, students are encouraged to think about the following statements:
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1. As a society changes from an agrarian to an industrial way of life, its needs and activities become more complex.
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2. As the population increases, the cities grow and the society needs space to move around. A bridge, that connects two isolated cities, would become a significant conduit of communication.
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3. Creating basic systems and structures must satisfy individual as well as social needs. When any one of these needs vary (such as climate, ideas, technology, resources, construction, general needs and systems so will the characteristics of structure. This is also true of transportation systems.
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4. Engineers have to consider several factors in building bridges such as the costs of the bridge, the suitability of the riverbed for supporting structures, the weather conditions of the area, and type of materials. Some concerns are that the bridges must be strong enough to support the mass of people and vehicles trafficking across them. It's also correct to use appropriate building materials, and tools. Another issue is finding skilled labor able to handle the complex operation of bridge construction.
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5. Discovering the special qualities of bridges, streets and neighborhoods, and highlighting the value of community landmarks can lead to proposing alternatives that enhance the community's environment.
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6. As cities go through a process of expansion, many historic landmarks are destroyed. Students need to understand the importance of preserving those remaining elements that serve as part of our cultural memory.
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7. Understanding what makes for a good environment, how do environmental changes occur, how can ordinary citizens actively constitute changes toward improving the quality of their surroundings, all are some of the topics which environmental education aims to address.