Document Type
Lesson Plan and Materials
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
This lesson embarks on an exploration of how America’s deep-rooted car culture emerged and its lasting impact on modern life. Students will understand the decline of early public transportation systems and how World War II catalyzed rapid technological advancements, leading to a shift in infrastructure and business priorities. They'll analyze how post-war economic prosperity fueled mass motorization, with cars becoming a status symbol for Americans. Three key drivers—post-WWII technological advancements, urban sprawl, and the rise of car culture—serve as a framework for understanding the U.S.'s car reliance. Through evidence-based analysis, students will then apply these concepts to case studies, deducing why cities remains so car-centric. They will consider factors such as climate, geography, political and economic resistance to change, and cultural values. Ultimately, the lesson challenges students to reflect on the sustainability of current transportation systems and explore potential solutions to create a more equitable and environmentally-friendly future.
Included in
Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Community-Based Learning Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Human Geography Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Place and Environment Commons, Rural Sociology Commons, Social Justice Commons
Comments
Streets for the People: Rethinking Urban Mobility © 2024 by Mariya Vahanvaty is licensed under CC BY 4.0