AP Human Geography Unit 7: Industrial and Economic Development

Topic 7.8 : Sustainable Development

“Building for the Future”

A Real-World Assignment on Sustainable Development, Industry, and Spatial Planning

Help Students Explore How Sustainability Is Reshaping Our Cities and Industries

This engaging and rigorous assignment gives students the tools to understand how sustainability principles are transforming industrialization and spatial development. Through case study research, mapping, and AP-style writing, students apply key concepts from Topic 7.8: Sustainable Development to real-world solutions for resource depletion, pollution, and climate change.

What Students Will Do:

• Choose a real-world case study of a sustainability-focused city, country, or corporation (e.g., Copenhagen, Masdar City, Curitiba, IKEA, Tesla)
  
• Analyze how the policy addresses issues like natural resource use, pollution, or mass consumption
  
• Create a map or diagram showing the spatial effects of the sustainability strategy
  
• Write a 600–800 word explanatory essay evaluating how sustainability principles influence urban planning, industrial activity, and economic development
  
• Use APHG vocabulary such as climate adaptation, spatial planning, environmental degradation, and industrialization
  

What’s Included:

• Guided case study research template
  
• Two visual project format options (map or spatial diagram)
  
• Structured essay prompt and planner
  
• Complete 20-point rubric
  
• Optional extra credit and extensions
  
• Scaffolding supports for diverse learners
  
• Compatible with print and digital instruction
  

Skills Reinforced:

• Geographic reasoning and spatial analysis
  
• Real-world application of sustainability and development models
  
• Visual interpretation and presentation
  
• Argument-based writing using APHG vocabulary
  
• Evaluation of environmental and industrial trade-offs
  

Ideal For:

• Teaching Topic 7.8: Sustainable Development
  
• End-of-unit performance assessments
  
• Enrichment, sub plans, or independent work
  
• AP exam prep and real-world geographic connections
  

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