Four Phases of
Competition
Note:
All competition components are described in complete detail in the handbook.
Handbooks are sent once registration and fee are received and are available
to download at www.futurecity.org
under “Resources.”
Phase I: Design City
In Phase I, the team will design its city using SimCity 4 software donated by
Maxis. The software has a ratio of 1 disk to 1 computer. If you have more than
one team that needs to use the software at the same time, purchase more
software. You can do this at www.futurecity.org
under resources. Software, while supplies last, can be bought at cost. Teams
submit their futuristic city and the computer score sheet. The map inventory
outlining the contents of their city for the judges is optional. See the
teacher handbook for more details.
Phase II: Essay/Abstract
In Phase III of the competition, the students will write a 500 to 700-word
essay. See the teacher handbook for more details.
Essay Details
The topic changes each year. The 2003-04 essay question was “How can
plastics be used to help senior citizens in the future?” The 2004-05 essay
dealt with aggregates and their use in the city’s transportation. The 2005-06
essay asks the teams to create a feasibility plan for a portion of their city. The
2006-07 topic asked teams to develop an energy strategy to include fuel cell
systems to power a city of the future. In 07-08, the topic was the use of nanotechnology
in a city of the future. The 2007-08 topic dealt with water usage and
conservation in the future. Check the handbook for details on the essay. It’s
okay to be futuristic-although the solution must be based in engineering
principles or design. Click the
Scrapbook to see examples of
City Abstract Details
In addition, as part of the essay requirement, students will write an abstract
describing their city and some of its services. The purpose of the abstract is
to give the judges a quick overview of the city.
Phase III: Build Model
In Phase II of the competition, the team will build a scale model of a section
of the city. The purpose of the model is to give a 3-D view of how one section
of the future city would look. See the teacher handbook for more details.
Model Size
The model must be no larger than 25" (W) x 50" (L) x 20" (H).
The team will decide what materials to use to construct the model, such as
Styrofoam, balsa wood, cardboard, clay or toothpicks. They have to be
inventive because of the cost limitations so items such as soda bottles, L'eggs
containers, candy boxes, empty cans and a variety of materials find their way
into the models.
Moving Part
The model must contain a moving part, such as a transportation or communications
component. If a power source is used, the power must be self-contained.
Model Identification
Students post a 4" x 6" index card anywhere on the model containing
the futuristic city name, school name, scale used, and the five-team members’
names. The card must be visible and legible.
Props/Visual Aids
Each Team’s presentation materials have size specifications. No laptop
computers or videos can be use for the presentation. See the teacher handbook
for more details.
Cost of Model & Presentation Materials
The total cost of all materials used to make the model and including any other
materials used in support of the verbal presentation, may not exceed $100 (cash
or in-kind) including props, handouts, and pointers. Materials should be
recycled as much as possible. See the teacher handbook for more details.
Phase IV: Verbal Presentation
The students will prepare a presentation discussing their city and its
amenities. The maximum time for this presentation is 12 minutes with five to
seven minutes for the formal presentation and the remainder of the time for
questions from the judges. The students also will be evaluated as a team on how
well they can explain the design and function of their futuristic city.
Students are encouraged to use flipchart or poster-sized materials to present
their city to a panel of judges. The total cost of the materials (pointers,
props, special outfits, etc.) used in support of the verbal presentation must
be included in the $100 limitation as mentioned in the previous section “Cost
of Model & Presentation Materials.” See the teacher handbook for more
details.
