Back to: WebQuest and Digital Breakouts Compendium on STEM enhancement for pupils
Imagine your city as our shared home.
For everyone to live well in it, this home needs to be clean, healthy, and full of life.
Many modern cities, however, face serious challenges:
too little green space, too much concrete, very high temperatures in summer, and polluted air.
When there is not enough greenery, cities become hotter and less welcoming for both people and animals.
At the same time, climate change is bringing more frequent heatwaves, droughts, and extreme weather events, while wildfires are destroying valuable natural ecosystems.
That is why green spaces inside cities are more important than ever.
The good news?
Even small, forgotten corners of a city can become part of the solution.
An empty lot, a grey schoolyard, or a neglected square can be transformed into pocket parks — small green spaces for rest, play, and community life.
And when these spaces are combined with renewable energy sources, they become even more environmentally friendly.
With imagination, teamwork, and responsibility, you too can help your city become greener, more beautiful, and more sustainable.
Hello, young city explorers!
Your local council has announced an ideas challenge and is asking for your help to turn the city into a greener and more welcoming place.
Your mission:
Design and build a model of a pocket park that is:
- friendly for people and animals
- respectful of the environment
- powered by renewable energy sources
Through this mission, you will become:
- Designers of the city of the future
- Protectors of the environment
- Active citizens who suggest real solutions
Who knows?
Your idea might become the next pocket park in your city!
Step 1: What Are Pocket Parks and Why Are They Important?
Excited by the challenge, you begin your research right away!
Use the resources below to learn: (a) what pocket parks are, (b) how they help the environment and improve quality of life, and (c) how they support sustainable cities
- Pocket parks, the example of Athens:
https://www.iefimerida.gr/poli/parka-tsepis-oaseis-prasinoy-athina-anases-oxygonoy
Next, explore renewable energy sources and think about:
- which ones could be used in your pocket park
- how they help reduce pollution and protect the environment
The following resources will help you gather the information you need:
• Renewable Energy Sources – Types of Energy for Kids
• https://www.tovima.com/society/new-pocket-park-opens-in-piraeus-mikrolimano-district/
Step 2: Designing the Model Now it’s time to plan your idea!
Work in groups of 4–5 students and design your pocket park model.
Your design should include:
- green spaces
- areas for rest and relaxation
- play spaces for children
- water features
- lighting
- use of renewable energy sources
- access for everyone (inclusion)
- environmentally friendly materials
When your design is finished, prepare a list of materials you will need to build your model.
Inspiration:
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c8/48/05/c84805d97d0cb3f2ead91d8a0ef383f7.jpg
Now you’re ready for the final step!
Step 3: Building the Model
It’s time for action!
- gather all the materials
- assign roles within your group
- work together to build your model
The competition is waiting!
The Mayor is looking forward to seeing your ideas for a better, greener, and more sustainable city!