Describe one way ancient Chinese cities handled water effectively and how this practice is being used today.

Ancient Chinese cities used sloped eaves to direct rainwater to permeable pavements and lined walls with vegetation to absorb stormwater. Today, this is seen in the reimplementation of permeable pavements and urban gardens.

What are some limitations of sponge cities in preventing damage from natural disasters?

Sponge cities can only absorb a limited amount of excess water, and their effectiveness varies depending on local climate, hydrology, and socio-economics. They can also be expensive and require a lot of space.

Give an example of how cities in the United States are adapting existing green spaces to function similarly to sponge cities.

Cities like Los Angeles and Boston are planting vegetation on curbs and creating green spaces along median strips to increase water absorption.

Disasters And Societal Change Lesson Plan for 9th Grade

Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.

Teaching a different level? Adapt this lesson →

Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.

Objective

I can explain how natural disasters lead to changes in building codes or where people live.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

Vox · 6:50Vetted channel

We don't generate video — this one is by Vox on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

1
Sponge cities use natural infrastructure, like urban parks and native trees, to help cities combat and withstand a changing climate.
2
Urbanization can lead to habitat losses that put some species in danger, but cities can conserve biodiversity by creating environments where nature can flourish and soak up excess water.
3
China's sponge city pilot program aimed to improve urban drainage and flood prevention by supplementing grey infrastructure with natural solutions like gardens and permeable pavement.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

9 questions

What is a 'sponge city,' and how does its design aim to address the impacts of climate change?

Besides absorbing water, what other benefit does a sponge city provide?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

“Describe how the sponge city design in China aims to reduce the impact of flooding. Be sure to mention specific features of these cities.”

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
Printable worksheet
Slides
Ready to present

We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.

Teaching a group at a different level?

Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.

Adapt This Lesson

Disasters and Societal Change