Lesson 1: Introduction to the Cartesian Coordinate System

Objective: Students will understand the basics of the Cartesian Coordinate System and its relevance to urban planning and gentrification.

1. Engage: Begin the lesson by showing a short video clip that highlights the importance of urban planning and the impact of gentrification on communities. Discuss with students the concept of social justice and how it relates to urban planning and gentrification.

2. Explore: Introduce the Cartesian Coordinate System by explaining its purpose and how it is used to locate points on a plane. Provide examples of real-life scenarios where the coordinate system is used in urban planning, such as mapping out city blocks or determining the location of public transportation routes.

3. Explain: Break down the components of the Cartesian Coordinate System, including the x-axis, y-axis, and the origin (0,0). Show students how to plot points on the coordinate plane and label them accordingly.

4. Elaborate: Provide students with a worksheet that includes various scenarios related to urban planning and gentrification. Each scenario should require students to plot points on the coordinate plane and answer questions that integrate algebraic concepts. For example:

   Scenario: A city council is planning to build a new park in a neighborhood. The park will be located at point P(3,4). The council wants to build a walking path that starts at the park and ends at point Q(7,2). Determine the slope of the walking path and write an equation in slope-intercept form.

5. Evaluate: Review the worksheet answers as a class, allowing students to share their solutions and explain their reasoning. Discuss the importance of accurately plotting points and interpreting the results in the context of urban planning and gentrification.

6. Extend: Assign a project where students research a real-life urban planning or gentrification issue in their community. They should create a visual representation using the Cartesian Coordinate System to demonstrate the impact of the issue and propose potential solutions.

7. Engage: Conclude the lesson by showing a video or documentary that explores the intersectionality between social justice, urban planning, and gentrification. Discuss with students the importance of understanding these concepts and how math can be used as a tool for positive change.

Resources: - Video: “Urban Planning and Gentrification” (link: [insert video link]) - Worksheet: “Cartesian Coordinate System and Urban Planning” (link: [insert worksheet link]) - Video: “The Intersectionality of Social Justice, Urban Planning, and Gentrification” (link: [insert video link])