These activities introduce students to the geography and people of the Chicago region and encourage them to think critically about issues that affect the quality of life in their communities. Social studies are at the core of this project, but many of the activities can be used to teach language arts, math or history. These activities were designed for students in grades 7-10.

Although the sequence of actrivities is deliberate, each lesson plan can be used independently and incorporated into a teacher's existing plan. Each chapter includes ideas for additional activities.