New
New
The future of cities
I can explore how cities may look and function in the future.
Lesson 12 of 12
New
New
- Year 8
The future of cities
I can explore how cities may look and function in the future.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Smart cities use technology to improve urban life.
- Urban planning will focus on climate mitigation and adaptation in future.
- Future cities will rely on renewable energy and green tech.
- Advances in transport will shape future city living.
- The function of cities may change as more of their traditional functions go online.
Keywords
Smart city - a city that uses digital technology to improve services and quality of life
Sustainability - meeting needs today without harming the future
Urban planning - designing and managing how cities grow and change
Common misconception
Cities can’t do much to stop climate change because it’s a global problem.
While climate change is a global issue, cities can make a big difference by reducing emissions and adapting their infrastructure to protect people and the environment.
Encourage students to connect ideas about future cities with issues in their own local area—such as traffic, pollution, or green spaces—to help them see how global trends could affect their own lives.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions:
Match the keywords to their definitions:
Q2.Which of these is most likely found in an urban area?
Which of these is most likely found in an urban area?
Wheat fields and barns
Beaches and coral reefs
Forest trails and mountain huts
Q3.Why might people want to live in cities?
Why might people want to live in cities?
Fewer homes and transport options
Less access to healthcare
All the buildings look the same
Q4.Which of these is a challenge of urban life?
Which of these is a challenge of urban life?
Low cost of housing
Quiet surroundings
Small number of people
Q5.Which of these describes green space in a city?
Which of these describes green space in a city?
A multi-storey car park
A motorway
A block of flats
Q6.Some people think all cities are crowded and polluted. Which of these shows a better understanding?
Some people think all cities are crowded and polluted. Which of these shows a better understanding?
All cities are exactly the same
Cities don’t have any nature
Cities are all in poor countries
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions:
Match the keywords to their definitions:
Q2.What is a smart city designed to do?
What is a smart city designed to do?
Use more cars and roads
Expand as fast as possible
Avoid any planning or rules
Q3.Urban helps make decisions about how cities grow.
Urban helps make decisions about how cities grow.
Q4.Which of these shows a sustainable city feature?
Which of these shows a sustainable city feature?
Streets with no bins
Only roads for cars
Using more fossil fuels
Q5.Some people believe cities can’t help stop climate change. Which statement shows a better understanding?
Some people believe cities can’t help stop climate change. Which statement shows a better understanding?
Cities must wait for other countries to act
Cities can’t do anything without factories
Climate change only affects rural areas
