Read and discuss Life in the City Is Essentially One Giant Math Problem from the Smithsonian. Consider: what math problems must we solve in order to successfully design a city? Have students brainstorm these problems, then consider what their expressions and solutions may look like.

Incorporate soft skills and team building into a series of games. Have students reflect on why they work or don’t work well together as a group, how they can improve their individual role, etc. Play the games again after reflection to put their new understanding into practice!

Find examples of propaganda, surveillance, or marketing in your neighborhood. Document how these things are used, challenging or supporting their existence.

Consider the concept of “laziness.” Is it possible for someone to be “lazy”? What if “laziness” didn’t exist at all? Consider the philosophy of “laziness” and journal on how this understanding leads us to change practices and systems in the real world.

‍

Connect the ideas in the lesson below to historical inventions. What would a pitch look like for various historical novels: such as the printing press, telephone, or radar? Would all constituents be for their use? Who would be for and against these ideas? Were they accepted during their time?

Showcasing random acts of kindness is a great first step to thinking about the impact one can make on the world. Have students write a simple act they can take today on a note card, sharing this with each other and committing to making a difference.

Conduct a walking tour of your local community. As you explore the city, have students document the concepts in this lesson: third places, green spaces, infrastructure, and more. As you walk around and explore, talk about the highlights of the city, any history you’re aware of, and connect with local residents.

What local sites are vital to your own cultural heritage or those of others in your community or region? Research or visit these to understand their impact and importance!

Learn about how sound waves connect to pitch, volume, tempo, and rhythm, noticing how the creation and manipulation of sound is heavily connected to frequency. By understanding sound waves, we can create music that goes beyond traditional sounds (e.g. through digital manipulation).

Use your collected value lists to generate a list of collective commitments - beliefs and actions agreed upon by staff and students - that can guide classroom decision-making and culture. Generate 3-4 commitments each for yourself, peers, and adults.

What is the poverty line where you live? What structural and systemic economic, social, and political barriers keep people in poverty? Research the factors that produce inequality and poverty in your community, state, or country.

Like art, science, and mathematics, our understanding of the body (and exercise) has changed drastically over time. Especially in dieting, many fads have caused ludicrous notions of health and exercise. Explore these ideas, such as tapeworm diets, Olympic Athlete diets (500BC), or the “Chew and Spit” diet.

Our language evolves through slang. Determine how slang is used in sports and why certain phrases are used, such as in American football: “hut hut hike”, or how football (soccer) teams communicate to make plays.

One of the greatest risks one can take in their career is starting their own business. For many reasons, this is a complex task, but certainly has added complexity due to financial information. Calculate how much it would cost to start businesses and take on creative endeavors.

Consider how scientists work together with their faith, recognizing that many scientists are religious, such as through intelligent design theory. Point to times in which science and faith have been in conflict, both historically and in current events.

Examine one of the philosophies showcased in this lesson. Create a self-portrait that incorporates the stories, fables, meanings, and concepts of this given philosophy, interpreting these ideas into art. Use this artwork to inform and inspire change through understanding and action.

‍

Check out excerpts of The Mathematical Essence of Aging from Theoretically Speaking. Think about how much mathematics is intertwined with the way we live every single day. Why does this knowledge matter?

Negotiations on the world stage require many moving parts. Examine a recent international negotiation by your country, such as a trade agreement or defense agreement. Who were the key players? What was being negotiated? Did both sides get everything that they wanted? Did their respective populace agree with the compromise?

Our present conversations around race can get stuck in a reflexive defensiveness of language. What is structural racism? What is actually meant by white privilege? This article from Learning for Justice unpacks the history of the term and action steps to do better.

Identify community spaces in which other young people can grow their abilities in one or more of these “soft skills”, e.g. extracurricular clubs, local employer events, community events, etc. What organizations and activities build which skills? If there isn’t a space for young people to develop these skills, create your own!

Identify a "wicked problem" (a problem that seems impossible to solve) in the world and the various contexts, communities, and perspectives that exist around the topic. Show a diagram of how complicated this issue is, highlighting solutions that minimize potential damages.

What makes modern art valuable? In the past, art was typically contracted — and the value of the materials and time it took to create determined its value. Now, it is up to the interpretation of the viewer and owner to decide its value. Have the class examine these contemporary modern art pieces: are they valuable? What makes them beautiful? Not beautiful?

Consider the "trolley problem" in the context of health, exercise, and well-being. Observe a series of various diet options, exercise routines, and lifestyle changes. Have students consider the pros and cons of each of these choices, weighing these decisions and deciding on what outcomes work best for their lifestyle.

Watch “How This Guy Uses A.I. to Create Art | Obsessed | WIRED”. What is fascinating about this clip? Consider the idea: is it possible for artificial intelligence to create art on its own? If so, is this art as valuable as human-created art? Why or why not?

Oftentimes, artists are their worst critic, and keeping hope as an artist is especially difficult. Check out this article on overcoming the myth of the “starving artist”, which argues that modern day artists thrive and earn livable wages in stable careers.

Math is all around us, especially in music. Continue to study how music theory is connected to mathematics, creating a presentation that helps those see the relevancy between the two subjects.

What is the amount of money someone needs to be happy? Drawing upon community contexts, studies on happiness and salaries, and mathematical inquiry, determine the answer to this question.

Perform an audit of your physical spaces (appearance, entrances, fixtures, safety, etc.) using some of the guidelines of universal design in physical spaces. Is the environment appealing, welcoming, and accessible to those with a variety of cultural backgrounds, ages, abilities, and other characteristics? Create an action plan to address areas of improvement.

Instead of leading to lifelong health and thriving, does physical education and “gym culture” in school promote a single path to fitness that contributes to sedentary lifestyles in adulthood? Examine the ways adults stay healthy compared to how schools teach physical education? What are the biggest barriers to healthy living and fitness outside of school?

Arcology is a future-driven building initiative to create self-sustaining communities, usually in the form of large, multi-faceted skyscrapers. Check out this link which provides information about the practice. What stands out to students? Is this a viable practice? What would be the alternatives?

The link between physical activity and well-being is undeniable. Brainstorm or research the barriers to physical activity for individuals and groups in your community. What can you do to help remove those barriers and improve the well-being of your community through accessible physical activities?

How does our use of money contribute to our philosophy? How does the relationship between humans and nature involve the economy? Using case studies, examine how building development, use of natural resources, and more impact the environment. Use mathematical thinking to consider economical ethics.