Urbanisation: Managing high-income country (HIC) cities

Planet Planners on Roblox is an engaging way for students to learn about some of the world's most pressing challenges – from preparing for natural disasters to managing large cities.

A decision-making exercise game with geographical thinking at its core, it also builds key skills such as teamwork, time management, resilience, problem-solving and decision-making.

It is accessed via Roblox – an immersive platform for 3D experiences. To learn more about Roblox and how it can be used in education, visit Get started with Roblox Education.

For more detailed information about the game, visit How to teach using Planet Planners on Roblox.

Play Planet Planners on Roblox.

In this scenario, players take on the role of decision-makers responding to key challenges in high-income country (HIC) cities.

They must analyse data, make decisions and allocate resources to manage issues such as congestion, pollution and dereliction.

Players must think critically about which types of transport to invest in and how to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the city.

Approximate location: Northern Europe

Download/print the teacher notes for this scenario (PDF).

Teacher notes prepared in partnership with the Geographical Association.

Learning objectives

• To identify some of the key challenges in HIC cities.
• To make decisions about how to manage challenges in HIC cities.
• To evaluate the social, economic and environmental impacts of decisions made in cities in HICs.

Key decisions

• Should we invest in public transport, cycle lanes or improving roads?
• Which types of public transport should we develop?
• How can we reduce air pollution in cities?
• What should we do with derelict factories?
• How can we provide enough homes for everyone?
• How can we incorporate more green spaces into our cities?

Key geographical terminology

Congestion: Traffic jams. These are often experienced in cities where there are lots of cars on the road.

Congestion charges: Payments required for cars to enter certain areas - eg the London congestion charge means drivers must pay to enter the centre of London.

Cycle lanes: Special routes that can only be used by people on bikes.

Derelict: Places that are abandoned and in a poor condition - eg an old factory that has been left to ruin.

Green spaces: Areas that contain grass and other plants.

Public transport: A way of moving people without the need for private cars - eg trams, buses and trains

Think, work and apply like a geographer

Encourage students to explore the links between gameplay and real-world job roles, such as:

• urban planner
• transport engineer
• environmental consultant
• civil engineer
• housing policy advisor

Questions to explore

• How can we tackle congestion in cities?
• How can we encourage people to use public transport?
• How are public transport projects funded?
• Should we encourage personal transport, such as cycling or e-bikes?
• How can we make personal transport safer for people?
• Why are there derelict factories in HIC cities?
• What can be done with derelict sites in HIC cities?
• What are the benefits of green spaces?
• How can we incorporate more green spaces into our cities?

Emotional and ethical considerations

Ethical decision-making: How can we design transport systems that are safe for all? How can we ensure safety for those who cycle in cities? How do we ensure that green spaces are safe and accessible for all? Who benefits most from redevelopment?

Support classroom learning with BBC Bitesize resources.

Note: Some video content may only be available in the UK.