Aim: We will learn how to use the computer program SimTown (Maxis software: www.maxis.com) to create a map of our own community.

note: SimTown is a child-version of SimCity. Using this program, children can create their own towns. There are lots of fun elements for the kids. Click here for a review of the game.

Here are links to other people's creations

http://www.terc.edu/mathequity/gw/html/SimTownPics.html

Implementation-Facilitation

A. Motivation
A. Motivation
1. The class will begin by discussing what the program SimTown is used for.
a. The teacher will explain to the students that SimTown is a program that allows you to create your own map.
2. The class will learn how to use SimTown by walking through the program as we learn.
a. Don’t just tell the students what to do. Let them click along while to explain the various screens and directions to them.
3. Discuss new vocabulary words with the students that they will come across during this lesson: terrain, businesses, bulldozer.

B. Method
1. The teacher will have the students put the program into the computer.
2. Next, the teacher will have them open up the program.
3. They will be told to choose "create a new town" because that is what students will plan to do.
4. Next, the students will be asked to name their town. (They may choose to name it after their own community or use their own personal name)
5. Then, the students will come to the screen that allows them to create a map (however, the students will not start that step just yet).
6. This is when the students should become familiar with the various choices in the program.

SOME EXAMPLES
a. The teacher will ask the students to try and click on the picture of a school.
b. Next, the teacher may ask them to click on the picture of Jungle Gym. (etc…until they are comfortable with the choices.)

Grouping
1. The group size for this activity depends on the number of computers you have access to in the classroom.
2. This could be done in a small group, and then allow those students to teach other students how to use SimTown.

Student Activities
1. The students will review vocabulary (stated previously).
2. The students will learn how to load the program without assistance.
3. The students will become familiar with all aspects of the program before being able to create a town with it.

Materials
Computers
Sim Town Computer Program


Reinforcers
1. The students will learn how to use the computer without assistance.
2. The students’ technology skills will be strengthened.
3. The student will recall information when they are asked to show another student how to create a town.


Evaluation
The students’ ability to recall information and oral skills will be measured by the students’ ability to introduce this program to another student within the class.