Groups of students design plans for urban parks in target language cities identified as experiencing significant population growth. They present proposed models to "the judges" (their classmates) as part of an international park design competition.

Interpretive Task:

Students visit suggested web sites on cities in the target culture and complete a questionnaire that evaluates the suitability of certain cities as sites for urban parks or additional parks. Questions might include interpreting information on: population trends, number and types (large or small, multi purpose, gardens) of parks already in cities, climate (to help determine types of and periods of use for parks), available public transportation and pollution levels. An interpretive rubric may be created to evaluate the extent to which students understand and correctly interpret the information contained in website reading selections.

(Using the information in the questionnaire, the class or groups of students will determine which cities need parks. Suggestions for what to include in the parks are provided in Phases II and III)

Interpersonal Task:

During each presentation, student judges will write down questions they may have on the content of the presentation that will be followed by a question and answer period. The judges will hand the cards to the presenters who will read the question and respond. The teacher will use an interpersonal task rubric to evaluate the number and quality of the "judges'" questions and the presenters' responses. (see Novice-High Interpersonal Rubric)

Presentational Task:

Working in groups, students will create new parks for the cities selected. The class and the teacher will then discuss possible criteria for the presentations and rubric used to evaluate them. Presentations include a graphic representation of the park with a labeled infrastructure along with an accompanying written narrative that will also be presented orally. The narrative will contain the rationale for building the park, along with a full description of its features and potential use(s).