2012-2013 Judges Manual - Future City Competition

National Engineers Week 

Judges Manual 

2012–2013 

The Future City Competition is a 

national project-based learning 

experience for students in 6th, 7th, 

and 8th grades to imagine, design, 

and build cities of the future. 

www.futurecity.org 

Design it 

Build it 

Show it 

Future City is a program 

of the National Engineers 

Week Foundation

Table of Contents 

Welcome 2 

the future city competition 2 

Your Role as a Judge 3 

the Virtual city Design (sim city) 4 

Rubric 4 

Score Sheet 8 

the Research essay 10 

Essay Question & Background 10 

Rubric 15 

Score Sheet 18 

the city narrative 20 

Rubric 20 


the Physical Model 22 

Rubric 22 


team Presentation 26 

Rubric 26 


scoring Deductions 30 

Model and Presentation scoring 

Deduction form 31 

summary score sheet 32 

Practice Questions 33 

table of contents 

1

Welcome! 

Evaluation finds Future City 

engages kids in engineering 

and so much more… 

Thank you for volunteering to serve as a judge 

for the Future City Competition. Students, 

educators, and mentors have put in countless 

hours over the last several months to create 

the materials that you are judging. As you 

start to review the various student entries, you 

will see the student’s remarkable capacity for 

learning about our world and envisioning what 

the future may hold. Each year the creativity 

and poise of our students are a source of 

pride and amazement. While the competition’s 

primary objective is to promote an interest in 

engineering, we know that our students have 

an opportunity to flex their problem-solving 

skills, learn a valuable lesson about the power 

of teamwork, and increase their motivation to 

study science, math and engineering. 

The Future City Competition 

Across the country, teams of middle school students work 

with educators and mentors to build cities of the future. Over 

four months, student teams design a virtual city using SimCity 

4 Deluxe software; research and write an essay addressing 

this year’s theme—Rethink Runoff: Design Clean Solutions 

to Manage Stormwater Pollution; build a model of their city 

using recycled materials; write a brief narrative promoting 

their city; and present their ideas before judges at Regional 

Competitions in January. Regional winners represent their 

region at the National Finals in Washington, DC in February. 

2 2012–2013 futuRe citY JuDges Manual 

During the 2011-2012 Future City Competition, Concord 

Evaluation Group conducted an independent evaluation of 

the Future City Program. The evaluation found a statistically 

significant improvement in students’ ability to apply the 

engineering design process to real-world problems. In other 

words, Future City students are doing the things that engineers 

do—identifying problems; brainstorming ideas; designing 

solutions; testing, retesting and building; and sharing their 

results. 

With this at its center, Future City is an effective and 

meaningful program that delivers on its educational promise. 

evaluation results include: 

students build 21st century skills 

Educators, mentors, and parents agree Future City is 

strengthening students’ skills. 

Educators Mentors Parents 

Teamwork 84% 89% 90% 

Public Speaking 75% 85% 80% 

Project Management 74% 76% 83% 

Working Independently 71% 76% 84% 

Writing & Research 66% 81% 79% 

Problem Solving 84% 86% 86% 

students learn Value of Math, science, and More 

• 80% now see math and science as important to their future. 

• 41% said Future City helped them in non-STEM subjects like 

English-language arts, social studies, history and others.

students Discover engineering 

• 57% said Future City helped them see themselves as 

engineers someday. 

• 58% said Future City made them want to keep doing other 

engineering clubs or activities. 

students Drive future city 

• 62% of student teams make most of the design decisions 

themselves. 

• 81% said Future City taught them that they could create 

something on their own—without the direction of an adult. 

students learn How their communities Work and 

become More informed citizens 

• 85% said Future City helped them learn and appreciate 

everything that goes into planning and maintaining a city. 

• 62% reported they are more aware of civics issues like 

politics and taxes. 

91% of educators said they would recommend future city 

to a colleague. 

How does the Competition work? 

The Future City Competition is made up of five components. 

Teams are judged and scored on each of the five components 

and can earn up to 400 points. 

Virtual City Design 90 points 

Research Essay 75 points 

City Narrative 25 points 

Physical Model 120 points 

Team Presentation 90 points 

total 400 points 

Learn more about each component by going to 

www.futurecity.org/stepbystep. 

Your role as a judge 

As a judge it is your job to draw on your expertise and to utilize 

Future City’s assessment tools to evaluate the teams’ efforts. In 

most cases, a panel of judges will review each component. The 

scores are then averaged to compute a team’s final score for 

each component. 

Talk to your Regional Coordinator about what component(s) you 

would like to judge and if they offer any local training sessions. 

Go to www.futurecity.org and click on Find My Region to 

contact your Regional Coordinator. 

How to score a team’s work 

Before you start judging become familiar with the component(s) 

you are judging—learn more about them at www.futurecity. 

org/stepbystep. Next review the component’s assessment 

rubric and the corresponding score sheet (located in this 

manual). But the most important thing is to remember that this 

competition is for students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. 

assessMent RubRics 

Each component has a detailed and thorough rubric that outlines 

how the component is to be scored. The rubrics are divided 

into categories and can have anywhere from 1 to 7 items under 

each category. The rubrics were developed to help ensure 

consistent scoring from judge to judge and from region to region. 

However, we recognize that the criteria cannot cover all possible 

situations. Judges need to examine the specific elements of 

each entry and determine a score that is consistent with the 

rubric and accurately reflects the quality of the team’s effort. 

scoRe sHeets 

The score sheets follow the outline of the rubrics and give 

you an easy way to record your score for each team. You will 

complete a score sheet for each team you are judging. The 

completed score sheets are then returned to the Regional 

Coordinator. 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your 

Regional Coordinator or the National Program Manager. 

WelcoMe 

3

The Virtual City Design Rubric 

Students use SimCity 4 Deluxe software to design a virtual city that has progressed at least 150 

years in the future and has a population of at least 50,000 residents. 

i. citY ManageMent cRiteRia 

(12 Points) 

1. city age 

• At least 150 years 

2. city population 

• At least 50,000 

3. budget management 

• Income > expenses 

• Well-managed budget 

• Performance over time 

4. Mayor performance 

• Opinion polls 

• Mayor rating 


0 1 2 3 

Age ≤ 10 years. Age ≤ 100 years. Age ≤ 150 years. Age > 150 years. 

Population ≤ 5,000. Population ≤ 25,000. Population ≤ 50,000. Population > 50,000. 

Unbalanced budget. Balanced < 25% of 

time. 

Impeach! < 3 polls 

green. Mayor rating 

< 20 (avg for 10 yrs). 

Data view red to dark 

green. 

> 3 polls green. Avg 

mayor rating > 20. 

Data view dark green 

to green. 

Balanced < 75% of 

time. 

> 4 polls green. Avg. 


Data view green. 

ii. citY laYout cRiteRia (21 Points) 0 1 2 3 

5. Residential development 

• R § (low wealth) 

• R §§ (medium wealth) 

• R §§§ (high wealth) 

6. industrial development 

• I-Ag (agriculture) 

• I-D (dirty industry) 

• I-M (manufacturing) 

• I-HT (high-tech) 

7. greener, cleaner industry 

• Employment shifting from I-D (dirty) to 

I-M and I-HT 

0 

no Points 

Requirements missing. 

No development. One level of 

residential 

development. 

No industrial jobs. Jobs in 1-2 industry 

segments. 

Few manufacturing or 

high-tech jobs (less 

than 25%). 

1 

Poor 

Poor-Fair quality. Fulfills 

less than 50% of 

requirements. 

25-50% of 

industrial jobs are 

in manufacturing or 

high-tech. 

2 

good 

Average-Above average 

quality. Fulfills at least 

90% of requirements. 

Two levels of 

residential 

development. 

Jobs in 3 industry 

segments. 

50-75% of 



high-tech. 

3 

excellent 

Excellent quality. Fulfills 


Additional distinctive 

features. 

Balanced > 75% of 

time. 

All polls green. Avg. 


Data view green. 

All three levels 

of residential 

development. 

Jobs in all 4 industry 

segments. 

More than 75% of 



high-tech.

Virtual City 

Design Rubric 

ii. citY laYout cRiteRia (continued) 0 1 2 3 

8. commercial development 

• Commercial Service 

• Cs § (low wealth) 

• Cs §§ (medium wealth) 

• Cs §§§ (high wealth) 

• Commercial Office 

• Co §§ (medium wealth) 

• Co §§§ (high wealth) 

9. is development thriving? 

• Degraded (gray) or abandoned (black) 

buildings in the residential, industrial or 

commercial zones 

10. Recreation facilities 

• Ratio of parks & recreation facilities to 

population (50:100K) 

• Well-funded facilities 

11. city Planning 

• City design is well-thought out, cohesive 

and structured 

• Zoning, neighborhoods 

• Traffic and transportation routes 

• Functionality and mixed-use areas 

• Downtown, amenities 

• Eco-management, sustainability, 

landscape management 

No commercial jobs. Jobs in commercial 

service segments only. 

Over 50% of 

development 

degrading or 

abandoned. 

Less than 15 areas 

per 100,000 residents. 

(Ratio < 0.00015) 

Some (20-50%) 

of development 

degrading or 

abandoned. 

At least 15 areas per 

100,000 residents. 

(Ratio ≥ 0.00015) 

No apparent plan. Some evidence 

of planning, but 

mostly evolutionary 

development. 

Jobs in commercial 

service and office 

segments. 

Small amount (5-20%) 

of the development 

degrading or 

abandoned. 

At least 30 areas per 

100,000 residents. 

(Ratio ≥ 0.0003) 

Evidence of a plan, 

but execution could be 

better. 

iii. citY seRVices (18 Points) 0 1 2 3 

12. Police coverage 

• Adequate police coverage of populated areas 

• No serious crimes 

13. Police effectiveness 

• Number of arrests tracks the number 

of crimes 

• Over life of the city 

14. fire coverage 

• Adequate fire coverage of populated areas 

• Effective control of fire hazards 

0 

no Points 


Little (90% to 

95%) fire coverage 

- not all populated 

areas covered. 

Orange. 

3 

excellent 




features. 

Jobs in all 5 

commercial segments. 

Vibrant city with little 

(95%) 

police coverage. No 

serious (red) crimes. 

Arrests closely track 

crimes over life of city. 

Complete (>95%) fire 

coverage. Yellow to 

light orange. 

continueD on next Page 

tHe ViRtual citY Design RubRic 

5


Design Rubric 


0 

no Points 


1 

Poor 



requirements. 

2 

good 




iii. citY seRVices (continued) 0 1 2 3 

15. Medical coverage 

• Adequate coverage of residential areas 

• Healthy population 

16. education 

• Adequate coverage of residential areas 

• Educated population 

17. life-long learning 

• Variety of education facilities 

• Education quotient high across all age groups 

iV. eneRgY anD Pollution 

(18 Points) 

18. Power coverage 

• Power to all areas of the city 

• Generation capacity sufficient to satisfy 

needs 


19. Renewable energy sources 

• Renewable sources: wind, solar, hydrogen 

• Portion of total capacity 

20. Water coverage 

• Water to all areas of the city 

• Supply capacity sufficient to satisfy needs 


21. garbage disposal 

• Forms of garbage disposal: landfills, 

recycling, waste-to-energy plants 

• Disposal capacity adequate to satisfy needs 

• Garbage pollution under control 

22. Recycling facilities 

• Sufficient capacity 

• Ratio of facilities to residents (1:25K) 

23. air and water pollution 

• Air pollution under control 

• Water pollution under control 

No medical facilities 

present. 

No educational 

institutions. 

EQ is less than 120 

for majority of the 

population. 

Some (approx. 50% 

to 90%) coverage in 

residential areas. 

Red to dark green. 

Some (approx. 50% 

to 90%) coverage in 


Red to dark green. 

EQ is 120 or higher in 

3 or more age groups. 

Adequate (>90% to 

95%) coverage in 


Dark green to green. 

Adequate (>90% to 

95%) coverage in 


Dark green to green. 


6 or more age groups. 

0 1 2 3 

Few areas (< 50%) 

have power. Demand 

exceeds capacity. 

No renewable fuel 

sources. 

Few areas (50%) 

has power. Some 

periods of inadequate 

capacity. 

1 form of renewable 

power. 

Some of city (>50%) 

has water. Some 

periods of inadequate 

capacity. 

At least 1 form of 

garbage disposal. 

Demand exceeds 

capacity. Pollution 

high. 

No recycling centers. Less than 1 recycling 

center per 50,000 

residents. 

Pollution (air OR 

water) covers more 

than 75% of city. 

Yellow to red. 

Pollution (air OR 

water) covers 50-75% 

of city. Yellow to red. 

Most of city (> 90%) 

has power. Sufficient 

generation capacity 

majority of time. 

Two or more forms 

of renewable power 

provide a portion of 

the capacity. 

Most of city (>90%) 

has water. Sufficient 

capacity majority of 

the time. 

One or more forms 

of garbage disposal. 

Adequate capacity. 

Little or no garbage 

pollution. 

Less than 1 recycling 


residents. 

Pollution (air AND 

water) covers less 


Yellow to orange. 

3 

excellent 




features. 

Complete (>95%) 

coverage in residential 

areas. Green to light 

green. 

Complete (>95%) 

coverage in residential 

areas. Green to light 

green. 


all age groups. 

All (100%) areas have 

power. Sufficient 

generation capacity 

over life of city. 


of renewable power 

provide 100% of 

capacity. 

All (100%) areas 

have water. Sufficient 

capacity over life of 

city. 


of garbage disposal. 

Adequate capacity. No 

indication of garbage 

pollution. 

At least 1 recycling 


residents. 

Pollution (air AND 

water) covers less 


Predominately yellow.


Design Rubric 

V. tRansPoRtation (21 Points) 0 1 2 3 

24. Road congestion 

• Traffic flow, congestion 

• Road repair, potholes (inadequate funding) 

25. Public transportation 

• Sims using the Public Transportation Systems 

• Number of systems: 

• Bus 

• Subway 

• Monorail 

• Passenger train 

• Ferry 

26. Public transportation–integrated systems 

• Integrated systems 

• Adequate coverage throughout the city 

27. commute times 

• Average commute time 

• Performance over past 10 years 

28. freight transportation 

• Sims using the freight transportation systems 

• Number of systems 

• Freight truck 

• Freight train 

• Seaport 

29. efficient freight movement 

• Integrated systems 

• Short freight trips 

30. airport 

• Airport built 

• Landing strip (not fire department 

landing strip) 

• Municipal airport 

• International airport 

• Airport well-funded 

• Supports Co (Commercial Office) development 

• Road and public transportation connections 

• Direct connection to Co zone(s) 

0 

no Points 


Traffic jam! Most 

of roads (>75%) are 

congested (orange 

to red) or roads 

impassable (potholes). 

No public 

transportation 

systems. 

No public 


systems. 

Commute time 

of more than 100 

minutes. 

No freight 


systems used. 

No freight 

transportation. 

1 

Poor 



requirements. 

Many roads (30-75%) 

are congested (orange 

to red). Some need 

repair. 

1 or more systems 

built. Sims not using 

them. 

Public transportation 

covers only part 

(50%) 

of the city. Could be 

better integrated. 

Commute time of 75 

minutes or less. 

Industry using at 

least 1 freight 

transportation system. 

Most industrial 

facilities (> 50%) have 

short freight trips. 

Airport (any type) 

present. Well funded. 

Some connection to 

Co development, but 

could be better. 

3 

excellent 




features. 

Traffic flows freely. 

Less than 10% 

congestion (orange to 

red). No potholes. 

Sims using 2 or more 

public transportation 

systems. 

Public transportation 

provides excellent 

coverage throughout 

(>90%) city. Wellintegrated 

systems. 

Commute time of 50 

minutes or less. 

Industry using 2 

or more freight 


systems. 

Freight moves 

efficiently throughout 

(> 90%) industrial 

area. 

Municipal or 

International airport. 

Fully funded. Excellent 

traffic connections 

to city’s major Co 

development areas. 

tHe ViRtual citY Design RubRic 

7


Virtual City Design Score Sheet 

(0 to 90 points) 

Directions: check the appropriate box and then 

place score in the right hand score column. 

i. citY ManageMent cRiteRia (12 Points) 0 1 2 3 scoRe 

1. city age: At least 150 years 

0 no Points 


2. city population: At least 50,000 

3. budget management: Income > expenses; well-managed budget; performance over time 

4. Mayor performance: Opinion polls; Mayor rating 

ii. citY laYout cRiteRia (21 Points) 0 1 2 3 scoRe 

5. Residential development: 3 levels (low, medium and high-wealth) present (R §, §§, §§§) 

6. industrial development: Jobs in all 4 segments (I-Ag, I-D, I-M, I-HT) 

7. greener, cleaner industry: Employment shifting from I-D (dirty) to I-M and I-HT 

8. commercial development: Jobs in all 5 segments (Service §, §§, §§§ and Office §§, §§§) 

9. is development thriving? Degraded (gray) or abandoned (black) buildings in the 

residential, industrial or commercial zones 

10. Recreation facilities: Ratio of well-funded parks & recreation facilities to population 

11. city Planning: City design is well-thought out, cohesive and structured; zoning, 

neighborhoods; traffic and transportation routes; functionality and mixed-use areas; 

downtown, amenities; eco-management, sustainability, landscape management 

iii. citY seRVices (18 Points) 0 1 2 3 scoRe 

12. Police coverage: Adequate police coverage of populated areas; no serious crimes 

13. Police effectiveness: # of arrests closely tracks the # of crimes over the life of the city 

14. fire coverage: Adequate fire coverage of populated areas; effective control of fire hazards 


1 Poor 

Fulfills less than 50% of 

requirements. 

Judge’s name: 

future city name: 

organization name: 

2 good 

Fulfills at least 90% of 

requirements. 

3 excellent 

Fulfills 100% of requirements. 


features.

15. Medical coverage: Adequate coverage of residential areas; healthy population 

16. education: Adequate coverage of residential areas; educated population 

17. life-long learning: Variety of education facilities; education quotient high across all age 

groups 

iV. eneRgY anD Pollution (18 Points) 0 1 2 3 scoRe 

18. Power coverage: Power to all areas of the city, generation capacity sufficient to satisfy 

needs; performance over time 

19. Renewable energy sources: Renewable sources: wind, solar, hydrogen; portion of total 

capacity 

20. Water coverage: Water to all areas of the city; supply capacity sufficient to satisfy needs; 

performance over time 

21. garbage disposal: Forms of garbage disposal: (landfills, recycling, waste-to-energy 

plants); disposal capacity adequate to satisfy needs; garbage pollution under control 

22. Recycling facilities: Sufficient capacity; ratio of facilities to residents (1:25K) 

23. air and water pollution: Air pollution under control; water pollution under control 

V. tRansPoRtation (21 Points) 0 1 2 3 scoRe 

24. Road congestion: Traffic flow, congestion; road repair, potholes (inadequate funding) 

25. Public transportation: Number of public transportation systems available and Sims 

using those systems (bus, subway, monorail, passenger train, ferry) 

26. Public transportation–integrated systems: Integrated systems; adequate coverage 

throughout the city 

27. commute times: Average commute time; performance over past 10 years 

28. freight transportation: Number of freight transportation systems available and Sims 

using those systems (truck, train, seaport) 

29. efficient freight movement: Integrated systems; short freight trips 

30. airport: Built, well-funded, supports commercial office (Co) development 

Virtual city Design Points 

less Deductions (cheats) 

total Points 

tHe ViRtual citY Design scoRe sHeet 

9

Write the 

Research Essay 

Students will research and write an essay (maximum 1,000 words) 

in which they design a way to manage stormwater runoff in their 

future cities. 

this year’s topic: 

Rethink Runoff 

Design clean solutions to Manage 

stoRMWateR Pollution. 

What happens when rain falls in cities? Hard 

surfaces—like roofs, sidewalks, and parking lots— 

prevent rain from soaking into the ground. Instead, 

rainwater turns into runoff. It flows quickly over 

surfaces, which can lead to flooding. As it moves, 

runoff carries pollutants into storm drains which empty 

directly into the waterways we use for swimming, 

fishing, and drinking water. In a matter of minutes, 

rain becomes stormwater runoff—a serious source 

of water pollution. Since a clean water supply is 

important to every city, it’s time to rethink runoff. 

Instead of a nuisance to channel away, runoff can be a 

valuable resource. Engineers are designing new ways 

to manage stormwater that make city landscapes 

act more like natural landscapes. These help reduce 

runoff, increase the amount of water that soaks into 

the ground, and improve water quality. Whether 

your future city receives lots of precipitation or a 

little, you’ll need to think creatively about managing 

stormwater. Your challenge: identify a stormwater 

runoff problem that is important for your city to 

manage and design a solution. 


Learning Outcomes 

Scoring: up to 75 points 

Schedule: 

september to December* 

Students will spend 

approximately 10–12 hours 

writing the essay. 

*Dates may vary. Check futurecity.org for specif c dates. 

Students will be able to: 

• Define stormwater runoff. 

• Describe how runoff is part of the water cycle. 

• Describe problems stormwater runoff causes in cities. 

• Identify stormwater runoff problems their future city might 

face based on city location, climate, geography, and level of 

development (city structures such as buildings, roads, parking 

lots, parks, etc.). 

• Discuss one stormwater runoff problem their future city faces 

and a solution for managing it. 

• Evaluate the benefits and risks of proposed stormwater 

management solution. 

• Describe the role of engineering in developing solutions to 

managing stormwater. 

• Identify the steps of the design process (define the problem to 

solve; brainstorm various solutions; select a solution; design, 

build, test, and redesign a solution; share results).

Guide Students’ Thinking 

Use these questions to help your students write a research 

essay that meets competition requirements. 

1. What stormwater runoff problems will your city need to 

manage based on its location, climate, geography, and level 

of development (city structures such as buildings, roads, 

parking lots, parks, etc.)? 

2. Identify one stormwater runoff problem your city faces. How 

does it impact your city and why is it important for your city 

to address? 

3. What solution will you design to improve or solve this 

problem? 

4. Does your solution work at the residential, commercial, 

industrial, and/or citywide level? 

5. How does your solution address two of these common 

stormwater issues: infiltration, impervious surfaces, water 

quality, water conservation, and/or sustainability? 

6. What are the risks connected with using this solution? 

7. What will you incorporate into your design to reduce these 

risks? 

8. How will you encourage your citizens to support this 

solution (e.g., community outreach, education, and/or 

incentive programs)? 

9. What types of engineering are used in your solution for 

managing stormwater runoff? 

10. What is the role of the engineer you believe to be most 

useful in your solution? 

11. How can you represent your solution in your city model? 

12. As you develop your solution, how could you use the design 

process to help you work through problems (define the 

problem to solve; brainstorm various solutions; select a 

solution; design, build, test and redesign solution; share 

results)? 

13. Is your essay organized, well written, free of grammar and 

spelling errors, and no more than 1,000 words (not counting 

the title)? 

DiD You KnoW?* 

• Runoff is a natural part of the water cycle. 

• Stormwater comes from all forms of precipitation—rain, 

snow, sleet or ice melt—and is water 

flowing over the land plus anything that comes 

with it. 

• Contaminated stormwater runoff is a major source 

of water pollution in the US. 

• One quart of used motor oil can pollute up to 

250,000 gallons of water. 

• Managing stormwater is nothing new. If you lived 

in ancient Rome or Greece, you’d cross roadways 

that slanted towards ditches to direct stormwater 

off streets. Later, people began funneling stormwater 

into underground pipes. Today, engineers 

are designing new methods like rain gardens, 

swales, and bioretention ponds. 

Want to know more? Start your research! 

*adapted from myfairlakes.com Storm Water Curriculum & 

Teacher Guide, http://myfairlakes.com/curriculum.aspx 

“ I learned so much about engineering this 

year, from research and writing to planning 

a presentation. I also worked on the multiple 

moving parts for our city. I thoroughly enjoyed 

the challenge and look forward to becoming a 

Civil Engineer.” 

– logan b., indiana student team Member 

WRite tHe ReseaRcH essaY 

11

Draft essay using the Design Process 

When engineers design solutions to problems, they go through 

a process of brainstorming, testing different ideas, learning 

from mistakes, and trying again. This is called the engineering 

design process. 

The engineering design process is a great way to work through 

any challenge that involves creating something that didn’t exist 

before, such as building a bridge, planning a trip—even writing 

an essay. You’ll use the design process as a framework to guide 

students through researching and writing their essay solutions. 

stoRMWateR 101 foR eDucatoRs 

For a quick review of stormwater runoff concepts, 

read the Background section of Stormwater 

Curriculum & Teaching Guide (http://myfairlakes. 

com/curriculum.aspx). This guide explains the basics 

behind stormwater, watersheds, and the water cycle; 

discusses issues of stormwater runoff; and describes 

a variety of solutions for (1) increasing filtration, (2) 

reducing impervious surfaces, (3) improving water 

quality, and (4) conserving water. 

1. Pre-Write Discussion topics 

Introduce the essay topic and get kids thinking about 

stormwater runoff. Have them share what they already know. 

Ask, What happens when it rains? Where does water that runs 

off roads, lawns, and rooftops go? How is stormwater managed 

in our community? NOTE: Many cities have websites designed 

to raise awareness and educate citizens about stormwater 

issues. Invite students to find out what their city or town offers. 

If possible, have students observe runoff in action the next 

time there is precipitation. Which surfaces are pervious and 

impervious? What happens when water falls on impervious 

surfaces? Follow runoff and see how it leaves your school area 

or neighborhood. Does it run into a storm sewer or a waterway 

like a stream or pond? 


The following student-friendly videos are great ways to 

introduce the topic: 

• Stormdrains 101 (5 min.) 

http://fresnofloodcontrol.org/clean_stormwater/ 

storm%20Drains%20101.mp4 

Explains the basics of urban drainage system and why it’s 

important to keep stormwater runoff clean. 

• Stormwater Runoff 101 (3:07 min.) 

http://www.nrdc.org/water/stormwater/default.asp 

Introduces problems caused by stormwater runoff and 

describes green infrastructure solutions, such as permeable 

pavement and green roofs. 

Review the water cycle and help students understand 

how runoff is a part of this process. Also be sure students 

understand what a watershed is and how it is related to the 

larger water cycle. The following resources provide background 

information you can share with students. 

• PowerPoint Presentation: Introduction to Stormwater 

http://myfairlakes.com/curriculum.aspx 

Introduces the water cycle; compares rainfall on natural 

landscape vs. city landscape; introduces some of the 

consequences of runoff such as erosion, flash floods, and 

pollution; and introduces solutions to help cityscapes function 

more like rural landscapes. 

• Stormwater Facts for Kids 

http://www.cleanwatercampaign.com/html/480.htm 

Explains the water cycle and stormwater pollution. 

2. Define the Problem, learn the specs 

To get started, engineers define the problem they want to solve 

and the project requirements. 

Help students define the problem by reviewing the Essay 

Overview and Essay Outline together. How would they describe 

the essay problem using their own words? What are the 

different parts of the problem (identify stormwater runoff 

problems your city faces; choose one runoff problem that will 

be most important to manage; design a solution for managing 

this problem and describe how the solution works; analyze the 

benefits and risks connected to using the solution; incorporate 

into your design ways to reduce the risks; explain how you 

would encourage citizens to support the solution; and identify 

the roles of engineers in your solution).

Next invite students to identify specific stormwater runoff 

problems their city would need to manage. You can use the 

following questions to assist students. 

DiffeRent cities face DiffeRent issues 

• Tucson, AZ—Dry, desert climate. Stormwater con- 

• Think about stormwater runoff: 

cerns: flash flooding, capturing rainwater for reuse, 

– What is stormwater runoff? 

preventing stormwater pollution. 

– How is runoff part of the natural water cycle? 

• Portland, oR—Receives an average of 37 inches 

– What problems does stormwater runoff cause 

for cities? 

• Think about your future city: 

– What is your city’s climate (temperature, annual 

precipitation, type of precipitation)? 

of rain a year. Stormwater concerns: high volumes 

of water, flash flooding, preventing stormwater pollution, 

outdated combined sewer where stormwater 

runoff and wastewater are combined in a single 

sewer system and discharged into a local river during 

heavy rains. 

– What is your city’s geography (land forms, major water 

bodies)? 

• Milwaukee, Wi—Mild climate, winter snow accumulation. 

Stormwater concerns: snow melt with 

– What is your city’s level of development (city structures spring rains, flash flooding, preventing stormwater 

such as buildings, roads, parking lots, parks, etc.)? 

pollution. 

– What water issues does your city face (too little, too • Jeddah, saudi arabia—Port city that borders the 

much, difficult to get, etc.) 

Red Sea. Arid climate with sparse rainfall, yet heavy 

– What is your city’s primary source of clean water? 

thunderstorms are common in the winter. Primary 

• Identify possible stormwater problems: 

– What does stormwater runoff look like in cities with 

locations and levels of development that are similar to 

your city? 

– What stormwater runoff problem is most important for 

your city to manage? 

source of freshwater is desalinization of sea water. 

Stormwater concerns: flooding, preventing stormwater 

pollution, improving stormwater management 

infrastructure to sustain city growth. 

– What is the impact of this problem on your city? 3. brainstorm solutions 

Next, engineers brainstorm a range of possible solutions. 

Starting with what they already know, have students brainstorm 

a range of solutions for managing the stormwater runoff 

problem they’ve identified for their city. Encourage students to 

think about which solutions interest them (those in use today 

or being developed for tomorrow). Invite them to also consider 

cities with locations and design features similar to their future 

city. How do these cities manage stormwater runoff and 

encourage citizens to support the solution? Then have students 

share ideas and brainstorm as a group. 

As they research, it’s likely they’ll need to refine their ideas and 

solve problems that come up. This is part of the process. Help 

students get started by pointing them to the Resources section 

on page 26. 

4. select and Design a solution 

From their initial research, have students choose one solution to 

research in depth and describe in their essay. Point them to the 

Essay Outline and Guide Students’ Thinking questions to help 

direct their research. As students research, invite them to 

WRite tHe ReseaRcH essaY 

13

consider the following stormwater issues. Note that they should 

eventually select two and discuss how their solution addresses 

the issues in their essay: 

• Increase infiltration (How does it increase the amount of 

water that soaks into the ground?) 

• Reduce impervious surfaces (How does it decrease surfaces 

that prevent water from soaking into the ground?) 

• Improve water quality (How does it reduce pollutants and 

sediment from getting into the water system?) 

• Conserve water (How does it reduce water usage and groundwater 

demand by capturing water for reuse?) 

• Support sustainability (How does it accommodate increase 

in population and encourage development? Can this solution 

be used to meet present needs as well as the needs of 

tomorrow?) 

5. share Results 

Engineers present their work to colleagues to show how they 

solved a problem and learn new ideas from each other. 

Now it’s time for your students to write their essay—the 

perfect vehicle for sharing their ideas with a panel of judges 

and kids across the country. Review with students the Essay 

Outline which describes the sections judges will be evaluating. 

Remind students that the essay should be no longer than 

1000 words and they should cite at least three sources of 

information. Students should use a variety of sources of 

information, such as interviews with experts, reference books, 

periodicals, and websites. (NOTE: Wikipedia is not accepted as 

a source of research.) 

For additional tips about researching and writing the essay, 

view the “Writing the Essay” video and read essays from past 

winners. Both are available at www.futurecity.org. 

taKe action toDaY 

What happens to stormwater in your community? 

How can you help protect your watershed? Kids 

can mark storm drains, build rain gardens, write 

articles about stormwater for the school newspaper, 

and more. Find out ways to get involved by visiting 

Adopt Your Watershed website at: http://water. 

epa.gov/action/adopt/index.cfm. Kids can also 

monitor the quality of local waterways through 

World Water Monitoring Challenge at: http://www. 

worldwatermonitoringday.com/. 


Essay Outline 

i. intRoDuction: Define tHe PRobleM 

Introduce your future city and describe its location, 

geography, climate, and level of development (city 

structures such as buildings, roads, parking lots, parks, 

etc.). Describe the stormwater runoff problems your city 

faces. Then identify one stormwater runoff problem, 

describe its impact on your city, and why you decided 

this was the most important problem to address. 

2. boDY: DescRibe YouR solution 

• Describe the solution you’ve chosen and how it 

works. It can be a new idea or an improvement on 

something already being done. 

• Explain how your solution improves or solves your 

city’s stormwater runoff problem. Be sure to discuss 

how it addresses two of these common stormwater 

runoff issues: infiltration, impervious surfaces, water 

quality, water conservation, and/or sustainability. 

• Identify whether the solution works at the 

residential, commercial, industrial, and/or citywide 

level. 

• Describe some of the risks connected with using the 

solution. 

• Discuss how your solution reduces some of these 

risks. 

• Describe how you would encourage citizens to 

support this solution through community outreach, 

education, and/or incentive programs. 

• Describe the engineering disciplines involved in your 

solution and the role of the engineer you believe to 

be most useful in your solution. 

3. ConCluSIon: SummARIZe YouR SoluTIon 

• Summarize why the solution you designed is the best 

way to manage stormwater runoff in your city.

The Research Essay Rubric 

Students will research and write an essay (maximum 1,000 words) in which they design a way to manage 

stormwater runoff in their future cities. 



Rubric 

i. Define tHe PRobleM (9 Points) 0 1 2 3 

1. Describe current situation 

• Describe runoff situation 

• Factors affecting runoff: geographic and 

man-made 

2. identify the problem to solve 

• Identify most significant problem area(s) 

3. Why choose this problem 

• Impact on city and development (residential, 

commercial, industrial) 

• Why it is important 

ii. PRoPose solution, tecHnologY 

(9 Points) 

4. Propose solution 

• Describe at least one solution/process to 

manage runoff 

No description of 

situation. 


runoff problem. 

No explanation of 

importance. 

Brief description of 

situation. 


runoff problem. 

Brief explanation of 

importance. 

Good description of 

situation and factors 

that contribute to it. 


the problem. 

Good explanation of 

importance of solving 

this problem and 

the impact on city/ 

development. 

0 1 2 3 

No description of the 

process. 

5. Describe technology involved No description of the 

technology. 

6. community outreach and buy-in 

• Community outreach, educational programs 

and incentives 

III. AnAYlZe THe SoluTIon 

(15 Points) 

7. How are two issues affected by solution 

• Infiltration 

• Impervious surfaces 

• Water quality 

• Water conservation 

• Sustainability 

0 

no Points 


No description of the 

outreach. 


the process. 


the technology. 

Brief description 

of the outreach 

programs. 


the process. 


the technology. 

Good description 


programs. 

0 1 2 3 

No discussion of 

issues. 

1 

Poor 



requirements. 

Brief discussion of 

1-2 issues affected by 

solution. 

2 

good 




Good discussion of 

two issues affected by 

solution. 

3 

excellent 




features. 

Detailed description of 

situation and factors 

that contribute to it. 


the problem. 

Detailed explanation 

of importance of 

solving this problem 

and the impact on 

city/ development. 

Excellent description 

of the process. 


of the technology. 



programs. 

Excellent discussion 

of at least two issues 

affected by solution. 

continueD on next Page 

tHe ReseaRcH essaY RubRic 

15



Rubric 

III. AnAYlZe THe SoluTIon 

(continued) 

8. benefits: environmental 

• Reduce runoff, increase infiltration 

• Improve water quality, reduce pollution 

9. benefits: sustainability 

• Water conservation 

• Supporting population and developmental 

growth 


0 1 2 3 


environmental 

impacts. 


sustainable benefits. 

Brief discussion 

of environmental 

impacts. 

Brief discussion of 


10. Risks associated with solution No discussion of risks. Some discussion of 

risks. 

11. tradeoffs 

• Discuss and analyze tradeoffs (e.g., cost, 

efficiency, appearance) 

iV. assess tHe tecHnologY 

(21 Points) 

No discussion or 

analysis of tradeoffs. 

12. innovative solution Not innovative or 

original. 

Brief discussion and 


Good discussion 

of impact on 

environment, but 

could be more 

complete. 


sustainable benefits, 

but could be more 

complete. 


risks, but could be 

more complete. 

Good discussion and 


0 1 2 3 

Somewhat original or 

innovative. 

Solution is innovative, 

original. 

Detailed and complete 

discussion of impact 

on environment. 


discussion of 



discussion of risks. 

Excellent discussion 

and analysis of 

tradeoffs. 

Solution is highly 

innovative, original. 

13. futuristic solution Not futuristic. Somewhat futuristic. Solution is futuristic. Solution is highly 

futuristic. 

14. Plausibility of solution 

• Based on sound scientific principles 

Implausible or not 

scientifically sound. 

15. accounting for identified risks Solution does not 

account for identified 

risks. Or no risks 

identified. 

16. effectiveness of solution: Managing most 

critical runoff problems 

17. effectiveness of solution: Reducing 

environmental impact and increasing 

sustainability 

18. effectiveness of solution: community 

outreach and buy-in 

0 

no Points 


Not effective or 

ignores major problem 

areas. 

1 

Poor 



requirements. 

Solution is not very 

plausible (science 

fiction). 

Solution partially 

accounts for identified 

risks. Ignores major 

areas. 

Solution is only 

partially effective. 

Not effective. Solution is fairly 

effective. 

Not effective. Solution is fairly 

effective. 

2 

good 




Solution is somewhat 

plausible. 

Solution adequately 

accounts for identified 

risks. Could be better. 

Solution is effective, 

but could be better. 





3 

excellent 




features. 

Solution is highly 

plausible and 

scientifically sound. 

Solution accounts 

for and minimizes all 

identified risks. 

Design is highly 

effective at resolving 

major runoff problems. 


effective. 


effective.



Rubric 

V. Role of engineeRing (6 Points) 0 1 2 3 

19. engineering disciplines involved Engineering 

disciplines are not 

identified. 

20. Role of an engineer The role of the 

various engineers 

involved in developing 

the solution is not 

discussed. 

One Engineering 

discipline is identified. 

The role of at least 

one engineer involved 

in developing the 

solution is briefly 

discussed. 

More than one 

engineering discipline 

is identified. 

The role of at least 

one engineer is 

adequately discussed. 

Vi. WRiting sKills (15 Points) 0 1 2 3 

21. organization Poorly organized. Fair organization. Good organization. 

22. Writing skills Poorly written. Fair writing skills. Good writing skills. 

23. grammar Many grammatical 

errors. 

A few grammatical 

errors. 

No grammatical 

errors. 

24. spelling Many spelling errors. A few spelling errors. No spelling errors. 

25. Maximum number of graphics 

• If used, max of 4 (does not include tables) 

Exceeds maximum 

of 4 graphics and/or 

illustrations. 

26. Work appears age appropriate Work does not appear 

to be age appropriate. 

27. list of references 

• At least three acceptable references 

• Wikipedia not recognized as an acceptable 

reference 

• Appropriate citations 

0 

no Points 


1 

Poor 



requirements. 

No references. Less than three 

acceptable references. 

2 

good 




Does not exceed 

maximum of 4 

graphics and/or 

illustrations. 

Work appears to be 

age appropriate. 

At least three 

acceptable references. 

3 

excellent 




features. 

More than one 

engineering discipline 

is discussed. 

The role of one 

or more than one 

engineer is well 

discussed. 

At least three 

acceptable references; 

all appropriately cited. 

tHe ReseaRcH essaY RubRic 

17


Rethink Runoff Research Essay 

Score Sheet (0-75 points) 


place score in right hand score column. 

i. Define tHe PRobleM (9 Points) 0 1 2 3 scoRe 

1. Describe current situation: Describe runoff situation and factors affecting runoff: 

geographic and man-made 

2. identify the problem to solve: Identify most significant problem 

3. Why choose this problem: Impact on city development (residential, commercial, 

industrial); why is this important 

ii. PRoPose solution, tecHnologY (9 Points) 0 1 2 3 scoRe 

4. Propose solution: Describe at least one solution/process to manage runoff 

5. Describe technology involved 

6. community outreach and buy-in: Educational programs and incentives 

III. AnAYlZe THe SoluTIon (17 PoInTS) 0 1 2 3 scoRe 

7. How are two issues affected by solution: Consider infiltration, impervious surfaces, 

water quality, water conservation, sustainability 

8. benefits – environment: Reduce runoff, increase filtration; improve water quality, 

reduce pollution 

9. benefits – sustainability: Water conservation, supporting population and development 

growth 

10. Risks associated with solution 

11. tradeoffs: Discuss & analyze tradeoffs (e.g., cost efficiency, appearance) 

iV. assess tHe tecHnologY (21 Points) 0 1 2 3 scoRe 

12. innovative solution 

13. futuristic solution 

0 no Points 


14. Plausibility of solution: Based on sound scientific principles 

15. accounting for identified risks 


1 Poor 


requirements. 




2 good 


requirements. 

3 excellent 



features.

iV. assess tHe tecHnologY (21 Points) (continued) 0 1 2 3 scoRe 

16. effectiveness of solution: Managing most critical runoff problems 

17. effectiveness of solution: Reducing environmental impact and increasing sustainability 

18. effectiveness of solution: Community outreach and buy-in 

V. Role of engineeRing (6 Points) 0 1 2 3 scoRe 

19. engineering disciplines involved 

20. Role of an engineer 

Vi. WRiting sKills (15 Points) 0 1 2 3 scoRe 

21. organization 

22. Writing skills 

23. grammar 

24. spelling 

25. Maximum number of graphics: If used, max of 4 (does not include tables) 

26. appears age appropriate 

27. list of references: At least three acceptable references (Wikipedia not acceptable); 

appropriate citations 

total score (0–75 points) 

tHe ReseaRcH essaY scoRe sHeet 

19

The City Narrative Rubric 

Students write a narrative (maximum 500 words) describing their future city’s key features and design 

attributes. The purpose of the city narrative is to give the judges a quick overview of the future city’s 

infrastructure and its public services. 

i. DescRibe tHe citY (12 Points) 0 1 2 3 

1. basic city information 

• Population, age 

• Location 

2. city’s physical components & 

infrastructure 

• Landmarks 

• Parks & recreation 

• Other highlights 

3. city’s services 

• Health, safety, education 

• Other quality of life issues 


No basic information. Brief basic 

information. 


physical components. 

No description of city 

services. 




city services. 

4. other unique attributes of the city No unique attributes. Brief description of 

unique attributes. 

Good basic 

information. 






unique attributes. 

ii. WRiting sKills (8 Points) 0 1 2 3 

5. organization Poorly organized. Fair organization. Good organization. 

6. Writing skills Poorly written. Fair writing skills. Good writing skills. 

7. grammar 

0 

no Points 


Many grammatical 

errors. 

1 

Poor 



requirements. 

A few grammatical 

errors. 

2 

good 




No grammatical 

errors. 

8. spelling Many spelling errors. A few spelling errors. No spelling errors. 

3 

excellent 




features. 

Complete basic 

information included. 






unique attributes.


City Narrative Score Sheet 




i. DescRibe tHe citY (15 Points) 0 1 2 3 scoRe 

1. basic city information: Population, age, location 

2. city’s physical components & infrastructure: Landmarks, parks & recreation, other 

highlights 

3. city’s services: Health, safety, education; other quality of life issues 

4. other unique attributes of the city 

5. attributes innovative and futuristic 

ii. WRiting sKills (10 Points) 0 1 2 3 scoRe 


7. Writing skills 

8. grammar 

9. spelling 

0 no Points 


10. Word count: Does not include title 

1 Poor 


requirements. 




2 good 


requirements. 


3 excellent 



features. 

tHe citY naRRatiVe scoRe sHeet 

21

The Physical Model Rubric 

Students build a physical model of a section of their city, using recycled materials, that has at least 

one moving part. The model does not need to be an exact building-by-building duplication of the 

virtual design. Rather, the purpose of the model is to give a 3-dimensional, creative representation of 

an area that best represents the team’s vision of their future city. 

0 

no Points 

Requirements 

missing. 


2 

Poor 

Poor-Fair 

quality. Fulfills 

at least 20% of 

requirements. 

4 

fair 

Fair-Average 



requirements 

6 

good 

Average quality. 

Fulfills at 

least 90% of 

requirements. 

8 

Very good 

Above average 


100% of 

requirements. 

i. cReatiVitY (20 Points) 0 2 4 6 8 10 

1. illustration of futuristic Designs 

• Buildings and/or structures 

• Infrastructure (mag-lev, space 

elevator) 

• Location (outer space, underwater, 

ice cap, desert) 

• Plausible and recognizable as a city 

2. appearance 

• Use of color, graphics, shapes, etc. 

• Realistic elements (flora, fauna, 

landscapes) 

• Pleasing, not distracting 

No futuristic 

designs 

shown. 

Not 

complimentary, 

distracting. 

Includes 1-2 

futuristic 

designs, not 

really plausible. 

Fulfills at 

least 20% of 

requirements. 

Fair aesthetics, 

somewhat 

distracting. 

Includes few 

futuristic 

designs, 1-2 

are plausible. 

Fulfills at 

least 50% of 

requirements. 

Fair aesthetics, 

not distracting. 

Several 

futuristic 

designs. Some 

plausible. 

Fulfills at 

least 90% of 

requirements. 

Good 

aesthetics 

enhance the 

model. 

Many futuristic 

designs. Most 

plausible. 

Fulfills 100% of 

requirements. 

Very good 

aesthetics 

enhance the 

model. 

ii. QualitY & scale (20 Points) 0 2 4 6 8 10 

3. Quality Workmanship and age 

appropriateness 

• Age appropriate for 6th, 7th, and 8th 

grades 

• Quality construction 

• Reasonably durable 

4. Model scale: 

• Appropriate scale chosen to create a 

good city model 

• Consistent scale throughout model 

• Applied horizontally and vertically 

Poor quality. Mediocre 

quality. 

Inappropriate 

scale choice. 

Inconsistently 

applied. 

Poor scale 

choice. 

Inconsistent 

scale for 

majority of 

model. 

Fair to good 

quality. 

Fair scale 

choice. Some 

inconsistencies. 

Good 

quality. Age 

appropriate. 

Good scale 

choice. 

Consistently 

applied over 

majority of 

model. 

Very good 

quality. Age 

appropriate. 

Very good 

scale choice. 

City elements 

easy to 

identify. 

Consistent 

application. 

10 

excellent 

Excellent quality. 


requirements. 

Additional 

distinctive 

features. 

Highly 

futuristic. Very 

plausible. 

Fullfills 

100% of 

requirements. 

Excellent 

aesthetics 

enhance the 

model. 

Excellent 

quality. Age 

appropriate. 

Exceptional 

scale choice. 

City elements 

very easy 

to identify. 

Consistent 

application 

across entire 

model.

Physical Model 

Rubric 

iii. citY Design (50 Points) 0 2 4 6 8 10 

5. city Design and livability 

• Well planned design and layout 

(neighborhoods, green spaces, streets) 

• Accessibility, functionality, mixeduse 

• Eco-management: sustainability, 

landscape conservation 

6. Zones & Interconnectivity 

• Variety of city zones, structures, 

infrastructure components 

• Interconnectivity of zones and 

components 

• Transportation: pedestrian, personal, 

public, goods & services 

7. futuristic technologies 

• Examples of futuristic technologies, 

components 

• Scientifically sound 

8. innovative solutions 

• Examples of solutions to problems: 

transportation, environment, services, 

etc. 

• At least one original, innovative 

solution 

9. essay topic: stormwater runoff 

control 

• Incorporating essay topic into model 

• Solution for managing stormwater 

runoff 

0 

no Points 

Requirements 

missing. 

Fails to include 

expected 

requirements. 

Zoning unclear. One zone, few 

structures. 

Little interconnectivity. 

No futuristic 

examples. 

Little planning. Some planning. Planned 

design, 

accessible 

and mixeduse 

areas. 

Considers 

environment. 

1-2 futuristic 

examples. 

None 

scientifically 

sound. 

No solutions. One solution. 

Not innovative. 

No illustration 

of stormwater 

runoff problem 

or solution. 

2 

Poor 

Poor-Fair 



requirements. 

Some 

illustration 

of problem. 

No obvious 

management or 

solution. 

4 

fair 

Fair-Average 



requirements 

At least one 

zone, small 

variety of 

structures. 

Some interconnectivity. 

Some awkward 

design. 

Few futuristic 

examples. 

At least one 


sound. 

One solution. 

Somewhat 

innovative. 

Some 

illustration of 

problem and 

attempt at 

management. 

6 

good 


Fulfills at 

least 90% of 

requirements. 

1-2 zones, 

some variety 

of structures. 

Adequate interconnectivity. 

Some futuristic 

examples. 

2-3 are 


sound. 

More than 

one solution. 

Somewhat 

innovative and 

plausible. 

Good overall 

illustration 

of runoff 

management. 

8 

Very good 

Above average 


100% of 

requirements. 

Well planned 

design. 

Accessible 

and mixeduse 

areas. 

Considers 

environment. 

Two or more 

zones. Good 

variety of 

structures. 

Good interconnectivity. 

Several 

futuristic 

examples, 

many of 

which are 


sound. 

More than 

one solution. 

Innovative and 

plausible. 

Very good 

overall 

illustration 

of runoff 

management. 

10 

excellent 



requirements. 

Additional 

distinctive 

features. 

Excellent 

planning, 

accessibility, 

and 

environmental 

management. 

Two or more 

zones, very 

good variety 

of structures. 

Very good 

interconnectivity. 

Highly 

futuristic, 

and based 

on sound 

scientific 

principles. 

Several 

innovative 

and plausible 

solutions. 

Excellent 

illustration 

and overall 

solution for 

stormwater 

runoff 

management. 

tHe PHYsical MoDel RubRic 

23

Physical Model 

Rubric 

iV. MoVing PaRt(s) 

coMPonent (20 Points) 

10. Moving Part(s) innovation and 

Quality 

• At least one moving part 

• Quality workmanship, durability 

• Repeatability of movement 

• Innovative execution 

11. Moving Part(s) Relationship to the 

Design or function of the city 

• At least one moving part 

• Closely related to function of the city 

V. use of RecYcleD 

MateRials (10 Points) 

12. use of Recycled Materials 

• Most of model made from recycled 

materials 

• Variety of materials, imaginative or 

unusual materials 

• Creative modification or application of 

materials 

0 

no Points 

Requirements 

missing. 


0 2 4 6 8 10 

No moving 

parts. 

No moving 

parts. 

One moving 

part. Fair 

quality. 

One time 

movement. 

Moving part 

cosmetic; not 

relevant to city 

design. 

One moving 

part. Good 

quality. Little 

innovation. 

Moving part 

loosely related 

to city design. 

At least one 

moving part. 

Good quality. 

Repeatable 

movement. 

Somewhat 

innovative. 

Moving part 

closely related 

to city design. 

More than 

one moving 

part. Very 

good quality. 

Repeatable 

movement. 

Innovative. 

At least one 

moving part 

essential to 

city design. 

0 2 4 6 8 10 

No recycled 

materials used. 

2 

Poor 

Poor-Fair 



requirements. 

Few recycled 

materials. Not 

creative. No 

variety. No 

modifications. 

4 

fair 

Fair-Average 



requirements 

At least 50% 

recycled 

materials. 

Little creativity, 

variety. Some 

attempt to 

modify. 

6 

good 


Fulfills at 

least 90% of 

requirements. 

More than 

75% recycled. 

Some variety. 

Some 

creatively 

modified. 

8 

Very good 

Above average 


100% of 

requirements. 

More than 

75% recycled. 

Good variety. 

Many creative 

materials and 

modifications. 

10 

excellent 



requirements. 

Additional 

distinctive 

features. 

More than 

one moving 

part. Excellent 

quality. 

Repeatable 

movement. 

Highly 

innovative. 

More than one 

moving part 

essential to 

city design. 

Almost all 

recycled. 

Exceptionally 

varied and 

creatively 

modified 

materials.


Physical Model Score Sheet 




0 no Points 


2 Poor 


requirements. 

4 fair 


requirements 

6 good 


requirements. 

8 Very good 


requirements 

10 excellent 


requirements. Additional 

distinctive features 

i. cReatiVitY (20 Points) 0 2 4 6 8 10 scoRe 

1. illustration of futuristic Designs: Buildings/structures; infrastructure; Location; plausible 

/recognizable as a city 

2. appearance: Use of color, graphics, shapes, etc., realistic elements; pleasing, not distracting 

ii. QualitY & scale (20 Points) 0 2 4 6 8 10 scoRe 

3. Quality Workmanship and age appropriateness: Age appropriate for 6th, 7th, and 8th 

grades, quality construction, reasonably durable 

4. Model scale: , appropriate scale chosen, consistent scale 

throughout model, Applied horizontally and vertically 




iii. citY Design (50 Points) 0 2 4 6 8 10 scoRe 

5. city Design and livability: Well planned design and layout; accessibility, functionality, 

mixed-use; eco-management: sustainability, landscape conservation 

6. Zones & Interconnectivity: Variety of zones, structures, infrastructure components; interconnectivity 

of zones and components; transportation: pedestrian, personal, public, goods & services 

7. futuristic technologies: Ex. of futuristic technologies, components; scientifically sound 

8. innovative solutions: Ex. of solutions to problems: transportation, environment, services, 

etc.; at least one original, innovative solution 

9. essay topic: stormwater runoff control: Incorporating essay topic into model; solution 

for managing stormwater 

iV. MoVing PaRt(s) coMPonent (20 Points) 0 2 4 6 8 10 scoRe 

10. Moving Part(s) innovation and Quality: At least 1 moving part, quality workmanship; 

durability, repeatability, innovative execution 

11. Moving Part(s) Relationship to the Design or function of the city: At least 1 moving 

part, closely related to function of the city 

V. use of RecYcleD MateRials (10 Points) 0 2 4 6 8 10 scoRes 

12. use of Recycled Materials: most of model made from recycled materials, variety of 

materials, imaginative or unusual materials, creative modification or application of materials 


tHe PHYsical MoDel scoRe sHeet 

25

Team Presentation Rubric 

Students give a 7 minute presentation discussing features of their future city followed by a 5 - 8 

minute question and answer period from the judges (overall time will not exceed 15 minutes). Be sure 

to check with your Regional Coordinator for exact competition times. 

Mandatory Questions 

You will be provided a set of mandatory questions to ask during the competition. You are free to add 

additional questions AFTER all of the mandatory questions have been answered. 

i. KnoWleDge (50 Points) 0 2 4 6 8 10 


• Major elements: Intro, body, and 

conclusion 

• Transitions between elements 

• Logical 

• Supporting information (definitions, 

examples, statistics, quotes, etc.) 

2. Presentation content 

• City features, benefits, and aesthetics 

• Geography, demographics or distinctive 

characteristics 

• Infrastructure (e.g., transportation, 

energy, waste disposal or pollution 

control) 

• Innovations in technology and futuristic 

concepts 

3. essay topic (stormwater runoff) 

• Discusses essay topic: clean solutions 

to manage stormwater pollution. 

• Explains how the yearly theme 

influenced the city design or 

development 

0 

no Points 

Requirements 

missing. 

Poor 

organization. 

No transitions. 

Missing major 

elements. No 

supporting 

information. 

No city 

features, 

geography, 

infrastructure 

or innovation 

mentioned. 

No discussion 

of stormwater 

runoff. 


2 

Poor 

Poor-Fair 



requirements. 

Poor 

organization. 

Missing 

a major 

element. Little 

support. Few 

transitions. 

Includes a few 

of the required 

elements. 

Poorly 

discussed. 

Little 

explanation or 

not believable. 

Refers to essay 

topic briefly. 

Inadequate 

solution. 

4 

fair 

Fair-Average 



requirements 

Fair organization. 

Contains most 

major elements. 

Some supporting 

information. 

Some transitions. 

Fair description 

of the city. A 

few distinctive 

benefits and 

innovations 

explained. 

Somewhat 

futuristic and 

believable. 

Briefly 

discusses 

essay topic and 

solution. No 

real supporting 

facts. Explains 

how their 

city design 

incorporates 

the theme. 

6 

good 


Fulfills at 

least 90% of 

requirements. 

Contains all 

major elements. 

Fair amount 

of supporting 

information. 

Transitions could 

be smoother. 

Good overall 

description of 

the city. Several 

distinctive benefits 

explained. 

Some innovations. 

Somewhat 

futuristic and 

believable. 

Discusses the 


solution. Some 

supporting facts. 

Solution is adequate, 

somewhat 

innovative. Somewhat 

explains how 

their city design 

incorporates the 

theme. 

8 

Very good 

Above average 


100% of 

requirements. 

Fulfills all 

requirements of 

major elements, 

transitions, 

supporting 

information, but 

could develop 

ideas more 

thoroughly. 

Very good 

description 

of city. Many 

benefits and 

innovations 

explained. 

Futuristic and 

believable. 

Discusses the 


solution. Good 

supporting 

facts. Solution 

innovative or 

futuristic. Fully 

explains how 

their city design 

incorporates 

the theme. 

10 

excellent 



requirements. 

Additional 

distinctive 

features. 

Extremely well 

organized and 

creative. Variety 

of effective 

supporting 

information 

providing 

credibility. 

Excellent and detailed 

description 

of city. Effective 

description of 

benefits and high 

degree of innovation. 

Futuristic 

and believable. 

Discusses the 

essay topic 

and solution 

with excellent 

supporting 

facts. Excellent 

explanation 

of how their 

city design 

incorporates 

the theme.

Team 

Presentation 

Rubric 

i. KnoWleDge (continueD) 0 2 4 6 8 10 

4. Knowledge of engineering Roles & 

Design Process 

• Discusses the engineering field and/or 

engineering roles 

• Demonstrates knowledge of 

engineering design process: problem 

definition, tradeoffs, testing, etc. 

• Has applied engineering process to FC 

project 

5. Questions and answers 

• Answers questions with confidence 

• Accurate, complete answers 

ii. DeliVeRY/PResentation 

sKills (30 Points) 

6. Presentation skills 

• Verbal skills: Fluent, clear, audible 

delivery 

• Verbal skills: Correct grammar and 

appropriate language use 

• Non-verbal skills: Upright posture with 

practiced use of visual aids 

• Overall confident, direct, and animated 

delivery 

7. Model as a Demonstration aid 

• Model is a key element of entire 

delivery 

• Creatively uses model to illustrate city 

features 

• Model enhances, rather than distracts, 

from presentation 

0 

no Points 

Requirements 

missing. 

No discussion 

of engineering. 

Unable to 

answer 

questions. 

Mentions 

engineering, 

but lacks 

understanding 

of roles or 

design process. 

Answers a 

few questions 

accurately. 

No supporting 

facts. 

Briefly 

discusses and 

understands 

engineering and 

role of engineer. 

Little discussion 

of engineering 

process. No link 

to project. 

Answers at 

least 50% of 

the questions 

accurately. 

Few supporting 

facts. 

Discusses and 

understands engineering 

role. 

Presents some 

knowledge of 

engineering 

process, but 

no link to FC 

project. 

Answers 90% 

of questions 

with accuracy 

and some 

supporting 

facts. 

Good 

understanding 


role. Attempts 

to explain 

engineering 

process as 

related to part 

of the project. 

Answers 100% 

of the questions 

accurately 

with some 

supporting 

detail. 

0 2 4 6 8 10 

Poor skills 

throughout the 

presentation. 

All students 

need 

improvement 

in all areas. 

Little or no 

use of the 

model as a 

demonstration 

aid. 

2 

Poor 

Poor-Fair 



requirements. 

A few verbal 

and nonverbal 

skills are fairly 

well done but 

needs more 

practice to 

improve in 

most areas. 

Model 

referenced 

but does 

not enhance 

presentation. 

4 

fair 

Fair-Average 



requirements 

Fair to good 

skills for the 

majority of the 

presenters. 

Model is used 

and is partially 

effective at 

illustrating 

features. 

Fairly enhances 

presentation. 

Little innovation 

shown. 

6 

good 


Fulfills at 

least 90% of 

requirements. 

Good verbal 

and nonverbal 

skills for most 

presenters. 

Somewhat 

confident and 

direct. 

Good use of 

the model as 

an illustration 

of city design 

and function. 

Little creativity 

or illustration 

of innovations. 

8 

Very good 

Above average 


100% of 

requirements. 

Very good 

verbal and 

nonverbal 

skills by most 

of presenters 

throughout 

majority of the 

presentation. 

Very good 

model use; 

integrated 

smoothly into 

the presentation 

and helped to 

illustrate city 

design, function 

and innovations. 

10 

excellent 



requirements. 

Additional 

distinctive 

features. 

Excellent 

understanding 


and engineering 

process. 

Applies engineering 

process 


project. 

Fully, accurately, 

and confidently 

answers all 

questions with 

many supporting 

details. 

Excellent verbal 

and nonverbal 

skills by all 

presenters 


presentation. 

Very confident, 

direct, and 

animated 

delivery. 

Extremely creative, 

integrated 

use of model; 

contributed significantly 

to the 

understanding 

of city design, 

function and 

innovations. 

teaM PResentation RubRic 

27

Team 

Presentation 

Rubric 

8. Visual and other aids 

• Visual aids (posters, charts) neat, wellprepared 

• Additional demonstration aids, if 

used (props, costumes, handouts, 

etc.) enhance, rather than distract, from 

presentation 

• Delivery with all visual aids is well 

practiced and confident 

No use of 

visual aids or 

visual (or other 

demonstration) 

aids distract 

from 

presentation. 


Few visual 

aids. Poorly 

designed. 

Poorly used in 

presentation. 

Fairly well 

designed visual 

aids. Fairly 

well used 

to enhance 

presentation. 

Good design 

of visual aids 

that generally 

added to 

presentation. 

Could be 

used more 

effectively. 

Many welldesigned 

visual 

aids. Could be 

more creative. 

Well used to 

enhance the 

presentation. 

iii. teaMWoRK (10 Points) 0 2 4 6 8 10 

9. teamwork During Presentation 

and Q&a 

• Team members supported each other 

• Team members shared time equally 

• Team members displayed an equal 

amount of knowledge 

• Full complement of team members 

(three students) 

0 

no Points 

Requirements 

missing. 

Little or no 

collaboration or 

support among 

team members. 

2 

Poor 

Poor-Fair 



requirements. 

A small amount 

of collaboration 

among team 

members but 

more support 

of one another 

is needed. One 

or two tend 

to dominate 

during both 

presentation 

and Q&A. 

4 

fair 

Fair-Average 



requirements 

Some collaboration, 

some support 

and sharing 

among some 

team members. 

Amount of 

knowledge 

appears unequal. 

One or two tend 

to dominate 

during either the 

presentation or 

Q&A. 

6 

good 


Fulfills at 

least 90% of 

requirements. 

Good collaboration; 

support 

and sharing 

among most 

members. Full 

complement 

of three team 

members. 

Some team 

members 

have more 

knowledge and 

dominate. 

8 

Very good 

Above average 


100% of 

requirements. 

Very good collaboration,support 

and sharing 

among the 

team members 

on both Q & A 

and presentation. 

Equivalent 

knowledge level 

for most of team. 

Full complement 

of three team 

members. 

10 

excellent 



requirements. 

Additional 

distinctive 

features. 

Many well 

designed, 

constructed 

and creative 

visual aids 

that integrated 

well into the 

presentation. 

Effective use 

in delivery. 

Excellent collaboration,support 

and sharing 

among all of the 

team members 

throughout. 

Equivalent 

knowledge 

level for all. Full 

complement 

of three team 

members. No 

one dominates.


Team Presentation Score Sheet 




0 no Points 


2 Poor 


requirements. 

4 fair 


requirements 




6 good 


requirements. 

i. KnoWleDge (50 Points) 0 2 4 6 8 10 scoRe 

1. organization: Major elements: Intro, body, and conclusion; transitions between elements; 

logical, supporting information 

2. Presentation content: City features, benefits, and aesthetics; geography, demographics or 

distinctive characteristics; infrastructure; innovations in technology and futuristic concepts 

3. essay topic (stormwater runoff): Discusses essay topic: clean solution; explains how the 

yearly theme influenced the city design or development 

4. Knowledge of engineering Roles & Design Process: Discusses the engineering field 

and/or engineering roles, demonstrates knowledge of engineering design process; has applied 

engineering process to FC project 

5. Questions and answers: Answers questions with confidence; accurate, complete answers 

ii. DeliVeRY/PResentation sKills (30 Points) 0 2 4 6 8 10 scoRe 

6. Presentation skills: Verbal skills: Fluent, clear, audible delivery; verbal skills: Correct 

grammar and appropriate language use; Non-verbal skills: Upright posture with practiced use 

of visual aids; Overall confident, direct, and animated delivery 

7. Model as a Demonstration aid: Model is a key element of entire delivery; creatively uses 

model to illustrate city features; model enhances, rather than distracts, from presentation 

8. Visual and other aids: Visual aids neat, well-prepared; additional demonstration aids, 

if used enhance, rather than distract, from presentation; delivery with all visual aids is well 

practiced and confident 

iii. teaMWoRK (10 Points) 0 2 4 6 8 10 scoRe 

9. teamwork During Presentation and Q&a: Team members supported each other; 

team members shared time equally; team members displayed an equal amount of knowledge; 

full complement of team members (three students) 

8 Very good 


requirements 


10 excellent 


requirements. Additional 

distinctive features 

teaM PResentation scoRe sHeet 

29

Scoring Deductions 

To compete in the Future City Competition teams must complete 

the five program components and can earn up to 400 points. 

Judges will evaluate each component in accordance with the 

component rubrics. Judges will use the Scoring Deduction Sheet 

Penalty item Description 

5–10 pts. Missing deadline for submission of 

the Virtual City Design (SimCity). 

Deadline will be set by the 

Regional Coordinator. 


The Virtual City Design must be received in accordance with the deadlines set by the Regional 

Coordinator. 

15 pts Pre-designed medium region. You must use the pre-designed medium region available for download from www.futurecity.org/ 

resources. 

5 pts. Missing deadline for submission of 

the Essay. Deadline will be set by 

the Regional Coordinator. 

The Essay must be received in accordance with the deadlines set by the Regional Coordinator. 

2 pts. Essay Form is incomplete or missing. A properly filled out Essay Form must be attached to the Essay. Follow instructions on the form. 

10 pts Exceeding Essay Word Count. Maximum of 1000 words. 

5 pts. Missing deadline for submission 

of the City Narrative. Deadline will 

be set by the Regional Coordinator. 

2 pts. City Narrative Form is incomplete 

or missing. 

2 pts Exceeding Narrative Word Count. Maximum of 500 words. 

15 pts. Exceeding Physical Model 

dimensions. 

15 pts. Competition Expense Form is 

missing. 

5 pts. Receipts missing from back of 

Competition Expense Form. 

15 pts. Exceeding the $100 limit on the 

physical model and presentation 

materials. 

1–5pts. Missing all or part of the Model 

ID card. 

5 pts. Exceeding presentation time. Presentation cannot exceed 7 minutes. 

15 pts. Exceeding presentation 

dimensions. 

2 points Missing Honor Statement 

The City Narrative must be received in accordance with the deadlines set by the Regional Coordinator. 

A properly filled out City Narrative Form must be attached to the City Narrative. Follow instructions on 

the form. 

The maximum dimensions of the model are 20” (H) x 50” (L) x 25” (W). Height and width dimensions 

include all supporting structures, such as braces, and any model materials hanging below the tabletop. 

The Competition Expense Form, with receipts attached to the back, must be brought to the competition. 

Receipts must be attached to the back of the Competition Expense Form. Follow instructions on the 

form. 

The total value of the materials used in the model, as well as those used in support of the presentation 

and for special awards (including visual aids, costumes, color copying/printing, and other demonstration 

aids) may not exceed $100. 

The Model ID card should be identified by a 4” x 6” index card with: future city name, organization 

name, team members’ names (3 students, educator, mentor), and scale used. 

Support materials may consist of either: 

1. A single display not exceeding 60” (W) x 36” (H) 

OR; 

2. Two displays not exceeding 30” (W) x 36” (H) each. (The size does not include the easel stand, if one 

is used.) 

20 points Unsportsmanlike conduct Rude behavior or disruption of judging by any team member or guests. 

Disqualification Destruction of another team’s 

model or presentation materials 

(see page 31) to mark deductions. Judges decisions are final. 

At the Regional Competition the Regional Coordinator has the 

final word on any dispute. There is no appeals process. At the 

National Finals the Judges’ decisions are final.

Model and Presentation 

Scoring Deduction Form 

criteria Deductions total 

Deductions 

Model and Presentation costs exceed $100 

Do they list all of the materials used in the physical models and presentation props? Are: 

• Donated or borrowed materials listed at a fair market value? 

• Large or expensive used items listed at a fair market value? 

• Recycled items listed at $0.00? 

• School uniform, street clothes, competition T-shirt, easels listed at $0.00? 

Missing competition expense form 

competition expense form is incomplete. 

• Not signed by teacher or mentor. 

• Major expense(s) not listed 

• Unfair market value 

• Missing receipts 

Model iD 4 x 6 card should contain: 

• Future City name 

• School name 

• Information on the scale used 

• Student team members’ names 

• Teacher and mentor names 

Model size 

Exceeding maximum dimensions in any direction at any time during the competition 

(includes all supporting structures, doors, drawers & materials hanging below the table top): 

• 25 inches (width) 

• 50 inches (length) 

• 20 inches (height) 

• 75 lbs weight limit (for National Finals only) 

Presentation Materials size 

Exceeding maximum dimensions – two options (either, but not both): 

1. Single display: 60 inches (width), 36 inches (height) 

2. Two displays (each): 30 inches (width), 36 inches (height) 

• Dimensions do not include easels 

• Displays can include multiple display boards stacked on the easel, but not more than 

two displays in use at any one time 

• Additional demonstration aids (pointers, brochures, handouts, props, etc.) collectively 

must fit within a 12x6x6” volume (e.g. a shoe box). 

• The maximum weight for the model and all supporting materials is 75 lbs. (For 

National Finals only). 

Presentation time 

Formal presentation is 5-7 minutes followed by Q&A, total not exceeding 15 minutes. 

unsportsmanlike conduct 

Rude behavior or disruption of judging by any team member or guests. 

Destruction of another team’s model or presentation materials 




time: 

15 points 

15 points 

5 points 

5 pts for missing 

card OR 1 point 

for any individual 

missing information 

(up to 5 points). 

15 points 

15 points 

5 points 

20 points 

Disqualified 

total Deductions 

comments 

scoRing DeDuctions 

31

Future City Summary 

Score Sheet 

Points earned 

1. Virtual City Design (0–90 points) 

2. Research Essay (0–75 points) 

3. City Narrative (0 to 25 points) 

4. Physical Model (0 to 120 points) 

5. Team Presentation (0 to 90 points) 

scoring Deductions 

1. Missing submission Deadline 

• Virtual City Design (5 points) 

• Research Essay (5 points) 

• City Narrative (5 points) 

2. incomplete forms 

• Research Essay Form (2 points) 

• City Narrative Form (2 points) 

• Missing receipts from Competition 

Expense Form (5 points) 

3. Missing forms 

• Research Essay Form (2 points) 

• City Narrative Form (2 points) 

• Competition Expense Form (15 points) 

• Honor Statement Form (2 points) 

4. Did not use pre-designed medium city (15 points) 

5. Exceeded 1,000 word essay limit (10 points) 

6. Exceeded 500 word City Narrative limit (2 points) 

7. Missing all or part of the Model ID card 

information (1 to 5 points) 

8. Exceeded Physical Model dimensions (15 points) 

9. Exceeded $100 budget (15 points) 

10. Exceeded presentation time (5 points) 

11. Exceeded presentation dimensions (15 points) 

12. Unsportsmanlike conduct (20 points) 

total score (0 to 400 points) 




Points scored:

Practice Questions 

Below are questions we provide to the teams to practice their 

team presentation. On competition day, judges will get a set of 

questions made up of some of these question and questions the 

students have not seen before: 

Rubric Questions 

1. What types of jobs are provided in your industrial and 

commercial zones? 

2. What measures are taken in your city to provide for clean 

air? 

3. Describe your park and recreational facilities. What 

futuristic features do they possess? 

4. Why is city planning important? 

5. How are children and adults educated in your city? 

6. How is waste disposal managed in your city? 

7. What futuristic freight transportation systems do you utilize 

in your city? 

8. Explain how traffic and goods from your city’s airport can 

easily be transported to their destinations. 

9. Why did you choose the location of your city? 

10. What modes of transportation are available to the citizens? 

Can a person reasonably travel throughout the city without 

the use of a car? 

11. How do you generate electricity in your city? 

12. Does your city have a unique source of energy derived from 

non-traditional sources? 

13. How does your city’s alternate energy source impact the 

environment? 

14. Is your alternate energy source renewable and if so, how is 

it renewable? 

15. How do you ensure power is available throughout the city? 

16. What is your most unusual recycled material? 

17. Why would an alternate energy source be needed in your 

city? 

18. What measures were taken to create an attractive 

production center for the alternate energy source? 

19. Describe the technology used to generate energy using your 

alternate source. 

20. Are fossil fuels still needed as a source of energy in your 

city of the future? Why or Why not? 

21. Explain the process you used in writing the essay. 

22. Why would your city’s infrastructure make someone want to 

live there? 

23. How did you decide what information to include in the 

presentation? 

24. How did you decide what visuals to use in your 

presentation? 

budgeting and incentives 

1. How did you approach budgeting for growth in your city? 

2. What does your future city have as an enticement to offer 

potential business investors? 

Resident needs and Profile 

1. How does your city help support a healthy lifestyle for its 

residents? 

2. Why does your city need a diversity of people to run 

effectively? 

3. Detail some of the features you have incorporated in your 

city design to provide access for people with disabilities? 

engineering and operations 

1. What insight did you gain from your project on maintaining 

a balance between future planning and preservation of the 

past? 

2. What measures have been taken to protect your city from 

natural disasters? 

3. How does your city allow for growth? 

4. Are there any real factors that limit the size of your city? 

5. What made the communication system you selected the 

best choice for your city? 

6. Overburden transportation systems are universally a problem 

for cities—what approach did you take to prevent this 

problem from happening in your city? 

7. How do construction materials and goods efficiently and 

with minimal environmental impact reach a site in your city? 

PRactice Questions 

33

8. In planning for your city’s utilities (water, garbage collection, 

waste management, recycling, etc.) what considerations 

were given to their efficiency and maintenance? 

9. What was your biggest engineering design challenge in this 

project? 

building the Model 

1. In building the model of your city, what was the most 

difficult aspect to overcome? 

2. What factors went into determining the scale of your 

model? 

3. Why did you choose this particular section of your virtual 

city to build? 

4. What were some of the factors that went into laying out the 

various zones in your city? 

5. If you began again, what one thing would you have done 

differently to improve your model? 

benefits to team Members 

1. Why would you encourage other students to participate in 

the Future City Competition? 

2. How has the Future City Competition helped you plan for 

your future? 

3. What is the most valuable experience you gained from the 

Future City Competition? 

benefits for society 

1. From a global perspective how will humanity profit from 

your city? 

2. Why do we need fresh and innovative ideas for cities? 

3. What would be the benefits of having an engineer included 

on your city’s Town Council? 

Your engineer-Mentor and educator 

1. What insights did you gain from working with your 

engineer-mentor on the Future City Competiton? 

2. Name one activity that helped you the most? 


specific Questions for 2013 theme 

1. What was your solution to the runoff problem your city was 

facing? 

2. What engineering disciplines were involved in developing 

your solution to runoff?

Future City Regional 

Coordinators 

alabaMa 

Sonya Dillard 

NASA – Marshall Space 

Flight Center 

ARIZonA 

Michael Andrews 

Andrews & Associates, LLC 

califoRnia (noRtHeRn) 

Lynda McGhie 

Future City 

Northern California 

califoRnia (soutHeRn) 

Jack Ellis 

Future City 

Southern California 

floRiDa (soutH) 

Dr. Osama Mohammed 

Florida International University 

floRiDa (taMPa baY) 

Cengiz H. Mumcuoglu 

Skanska USA Building Inc. 

geoRgia 

Tony Ruzzoto 

Southern Polytechnic State 

University 

gReat Plains (Kansas) 

Jeff Sims 

KDOT Bureau of Design 

iDaHo 

Lynn Olson, P.E. 

Future City Idaho 

illinois (cHicago) 

Don Wittmer, P.E. 

HNTB 

inDiana 

Carol Dostal 

Indiana University – Purdue 

University Fort Wayne 

ioWa 

Jean Oberbroeckling 

Future City Iowa 

KentucKY 

Joe Percefull 

Future City Kentucky 

louisiana 

Kris Koutsougeras 

Southeastern Louisiana 

State University 

MicHigan 

Sue Ruffner 

The Engineering Society 

of Detroit 

MiD-atlantic 

Mark Bodmann, P.E. 

Wallace Montgomery 

Minnesota 

Colleen Feller 

Success Beyond the 

Classroom 

nebRasKa (oMaHa / 

HeaRtlanD) 

John A. Thomsen 

ESU#3 High Ability Learner 

Advisory Coordinator 

neVaDa 

Wendy Fenner 

Lights & Life Energy 

Foundation 

neW englanD Region 

Reed Brockman, P.E. 

AECOM 

neW JeRseY 

Scott Lubarsky, P.E. 

Future City New Jersey 

neW YoRK (albanY) 

Jennifer Smith 

Future City Albany 

neW YoRK (citY) 

Karen Armfield, P.E. 

AECOM 

neW YoRK (WesteRn) 

Carlo Zavatti 

Turner Construction Company 

noRtH caRolina 

Chris Kreider 

North Carolina Department 

of Transportation 

oHio 

Gus Smithhisler 

Ohio Department of 

Natural Resources 

oKlaHoMa 

Todd Hiemer, P.E. 

OG&E Electric Services 

PennsYlVania 

(centRal) 

William Sutton 

ASCE 

PennsYlVania 

(PHilaDelPHia) 

John E. Kampmeyer, P.E., 

F.NSPE, F.ASHRAE 

Triad Fire Protection 

Engineering Corp. 

PennsYlVania 

(PittsbuRgH) 

Carol Schoemer 

Carnegie Science Center 

soutH caRolina 

Kimberly Mitchell 

Savannah River Nuclear 

Solutions, LLC 

texas (centRal) 

Dr. Dawn Roberson 

Future City Texas (Central) 

texas-Houston Region 

Dr. Zafar Taqvi 

Future City Houston 

texas - noRtH texas 

Jean M. Eason 

IEEE-USA 

ViRginia (HaMPton 

RoaDs) 

Greg Griffett 

Future City Virginia 

WasHington state 

Karen Pavletich 

Puget Sound Energy 

Wisconsin 

Kelly Wesolowski 

STEM Forward 

Regional cooRDinatoRs 

35

Regional Coordinators 


The national Future City staff would like to thank and acknowledge 

the dedication of our tireless Regional Coordinators and their 

committee members. The countless hours that they contribute 

as they answer every question (big and small), match mentors to 

schools, fundraise, and host wonderful Regional Competitions is the 

foundation on which Future City rests. Thank you! 

To contact your Regional Coordinator visit 

www.futurecity.org and click on Find My Region.

We would like to thank our many generous 

sponsors for their continued 

support of the Future City program. 

National Finals and Program Sponsors: 

Additional Program Sponsors: 

S. D. Bechtel, Jr. FounDation 

Stephen Bechtel FunD 

Essay Sponsor: 

2013 National Engineers Week Co-Chairs:

2012-2013 Judges Manual - Future City Competition

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