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What Is Future City?

The only national engineering competition for middle school students, Future City has gained national attention and acclaim for its role in encouraging interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), through hands on applications. Combining research, SimCity4 Deluxe software, and hands on model making Future City helps students discover how they can make a difference in the world by designing a city of the future for 50,000 inhabitants.
 
This flexible, cross-curricular educational program gives students an opportunity to do the things that professionals in the Engineering, Architecture and Construction industry do; identify problems, brainstorm ideas, design solutions, test- retest and build, share their results. With this at its core, Future City builds students 21st century skills. The competition invites students to:
 
  • Learn how communities work and become better citizens.
  • Develop strong teamwork skills.
  • Research and propose solutions to today’s urban challenges.
  • Exercise their creative muscles by designing a city and building a model from recycled materials.
  • Apply science concepts to real world issues.
  • Apply their mathematical knowledge by scaling each component of the city.
  • Expand their understanding of geography by selecting and learning about their city location.
  • Showcase their environmental expertise by developing a design that includes low carbon footprints and green building concepts for a future city.
  • Practice their writing skills by transforming research data into a problem solving essay and city narrative.
  • Apply and expand their computer knowledge by using SIMCITY IV Deluxe to create a city design.
  • Gain confidence in their communication skills by preparing, practicing, and presenting their city to a panel of judges.

Want to know more about how Future City aligns with national standards?

Then click on the link below to download pdf.s on Benchmarks for Science Literacy,National Educational Technology Standards, National Science Education Standards, National standards for Technology Literacy and Principles and Standards for School Mathematics.                 

NATIONAL STANDARDS

THE FUTURE CITY MISSION

Future City provides 6th, 7th and 8th grade students the opportunity to:

  • Participate in an authentic, project-based learning experience
  • Strengthen their 21st century skills (problem-solving, teamwork, citizenship, public speaking, and time management)
  • Build a meaningful relationship with a STEM Mentor
  • Explore the many facets of engineering and engineering career opportunities
  • Gain an understanding of and celebrate engineering’s contributions to society
  • Learn the value of studying math and science by engaging in real world engineering challenges

 

THE NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK FOUNDATION

Future City was founded in 1992-93 by the National Engineers Week Foundation (NEWF), a formal coalition of more than 100 professional societies, major corporations and government agencies. The NEWF is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of, and interest in engineering and technology careers among young students and by promoting pre-college literacy in math and science. Engineers Week also raises public understanding and appreciation of engineers' contributions to society. Founded in 1951, it is among the oldest of America's professional outreach efforts.

 
THE FUTURE CITY COMPETITION TEAM
 
A Future City Team includes three students, one Educator sponsor and one professional Mentor. The Educator and Mentor guide and advise students as they plan a city of the future addressing design and infrastructure. There are four parts to the competition. Each team will design a city in SimCity 4 Deluxe software, write a research essay, build a scale model of a portion of the city, and present their concepts and designs to a panel of judges.
 
The winning team at the Georgia Regional Competition receives an expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for National Engineers Week to complete in the Future City National Finals. The first-place national team wins a trip to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, sponsored by Bentley Systems, Incorporated.  The Second place team receives a $5,000 scholarship from the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) for its school’s technology program. The Third place  team receives a $2,000 scholarship from IEEE-USA for that school’s technology program. Bentley will also provide a 10-seat academic suite of engineering software to each of the top three team's school.
 
 
FUTURE CITY ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD
 
Today there are 38 regional competition held each year in the U.S. they include: Alabama, Arizona, California (Northern), California (Southern)Colorado, Florida (South), Florida (Tampa Bay), Georgia, Great Plains, Idaho, Illinois (Chicago), Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mid-Atlantic, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New England, New Jersey, New York (Albany), New York (City), New York (Western), North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania (Central), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), Pennsylvania (Pittsburg), South Carolina, Texas (Central), Texas (Houston), Texas (North), Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Similar Future City Competitions have also been held overseas in China, Egypt, India, Japan, Norway and Sweden.
 

 
BE A PART OF THE FUTURE! JOIN THE FUTURE CITY TEAM TODAY!