Describes an interdisciplinary program which uses simulation to investigate social, cultural, economic, and political dimensions of environmental change. Summarizes the underlying process, outlines topics and activities for each of the four phases of the program, and presents one sample activity for each unit. (DC)

METRO-APEX is a computer based gaming simulation in which students study a large urban city and its surroundings by playing the roles of city and county politicians, industrialists, environmental control officials, city planners, land developers, and labor groups. METRO-APEX was played once a week for five weeks as part of one credit course in…

This technical paper was written with undergraduate geography students and instructors in mind. Its primary objective is to introduce readers to the first of urban simulations and to provide materials for utilizing simulation models. Contents are interdisciplinary oriented and contain seven chapters showing how simulation techniques may be…

Published materials that have proven useful in the design of the Institute For The Future's first urban simulation model are listed. References include publications dealing with (1) simulations and games, (2) urban and regional models, (3) educational gaming, (4) research and planning applications, (5) methodological perspectives, and (6)…

Summary descriptions of selected urban simulations and games that have been developed outside the Institute For The Future are presented. The operating characteristics and potential applications of each model are described. These include (1) the history of development, (2) model and player requirements, (3) a description of the environment being…

It is time that sociology made use of the increasingly popular teaching device of linking computer simulation and gaming. It is needed because in teaching courses in urban sociology, human ecology, and urban planning, we have found that: a) most class exercises present the community as a statis phenomenon; b) there is no quick and easy way to…

This is a progress report of a project in the process of developing an interdisciplinary secondary school curriculum on the Canadian urban environment. The primary goal is to encourage constructive involvement in urban life and community decision-making, and develop a personal and social competence that will engender a greater commitment to the…

The project presented here provides a role-playing game simulation that points out the complexities of locational decision and indicates ways in which those decisions might be influences by various public and private citizens groups. It focuses on the bargaining, citizen reaction, and possible side payments. Designed as a heuristic devise, the…

Two elementary-grade activities on geography are combined. The first activity employs a group discussion approach to investigate neighborhoods and residences. Given data about a neighborhood area in Houston, students make predictions and express feelings about future developments in the area. The second activity investigates urban planning in…