Lesson Plan

• Describe global trends in urban population growth and spatial expansion.
• Explain the main drivers of area growth at regional and city levels.
• Analyse case‑study data to compare population and built‑up area growth rates.
• Evaluate the challenges and opportunities that result from rapid urban growth.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Printed data tables/worksheets (global and city‑level growth data)
• World and regional maps
• Calculators or spreadsheet software
• Student laptops or tablets
• Case‑study handouts (Delhi, Shanghai, Lagos, Portland)
• Markers and chart paper

Begin by asking learners to picture a city that doubles in size within two decades – what would change?

Connect to prior lessons on population dynamics and ask what they already know about urbanisation.

Explain that today they will interpret real data, discuss drivers, and evaluate the impacts of such growth.

1. Do‑now (5'): Quick graph on urban population % over time – students note key changes.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Slides covering global trends and the growth‑rate formula.
3. Data‑analysis activity (15'): Small groups calculate annual growth rates from the tables and compare regions.
4. Case‑study stations (15'): Each group examines one city (Delhi, Shanghai, Lagos, Portland) and prepares a 2‑minute summary of population vs. area growth.
5. Synthesis discussion (10'): Whole class shares findings, links drivers to challenges/opportunities.
6. Exit ticket (5'): One‑sentence response – “What is the most pressing issue of rapid urban growth in your view?”

Recap the main patterns of population and spatial growth and the associated pressures on housing, transport and the environment.

Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign homework: research the latest growth statistics for the student’s own city and suggest one sustainable planning measure.