Unit: Where do we live?
Concept: How do settlement change over time?
Year Level: MYP 2
Key Concept: Change
Related Concepts: Causality, Sustainability.
Global Context: Globalization and Sustainability
ATL Focus: Critical Thinking – Analysing and evaluating Case studies
Learning Objectives
By the end of the exercise, students will be able to:
1. Identify and describe different types of changes that occur in human settlements over
time.
2. Analyse real-world case studies to identify causes and effects of settlement change.
3. Apply critical thinking skills to compare and evaluate how and why settlements evolve.
4. Draw conclusions on how human and environmental factors influence settlement
development.
Background Information:
How settlements change over time
Settlements are dynamic, they grow, shrink, or transform in response to human and
environmental factors. Settlements can be affected by wars, natural disaster, new technologies
and political changes.
Changes can be:
1. Physical or Spatial Changes – Expansion, redevelopment, or decline of certain areas.
2. Economic Changes – Shift from agriculture to industry, then to services and technology.
3. Social Changes – Population growth, migration, changes in lifestyle and culture.
4. Environmental Changes – Natural disasters, climate change, or pollution affecting the
area.
5. Political and Infrastructural Changes – New policies, urban planning, or infrastructure
projects (roads, bridges, housing).
These changes can bring both positive (development, improved living standards) and negative
(overcrowding, pollution, inequality) effects.
ATL SKILL FOCUS — Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking Sub-skill What it looks like in this lesson
Identify trends, patterns, and Students identify recurring causes of change (e.g.,
relationships migration, industrialization).
Analyse cause and Students distinguish between what triggered changes and
consequence their short- or long-term effects.
Interpret information and Students examine case study maps, population data, or
data photos.
Evaluate evidence and draw Students judge whether changes were beneficial or harmful
conclusions and why.
Make connections and Students connect what they learn to their own city or local
transfer learning context.
Critical Thinking Process Anchor Chart:
1. Observe (What do I see?)
2. Question (What do I wonder?)
3. Analyse (Why did this happen?)
4. Evaluate (Was it good or bad? For whom?)
5. Conclude (What can we learn?)
Case Study Framework
A graphic organizer to guide analysis, such as:
Stage Guiding Questions ATL Skill
Focus
1. Identify What type of settlement was it originally? What major Research
changes occurred over time?
2. Explain Causes What factors contributed to the changes? Critical
Thinking
3. Examine What are the positive and negative effects of these Analysis
Effects changes?
4. Evaluate How have the people adapted to these changes? Evaluation
Responses
5. Reflect What did I learn about how settlement change and Reflection
sustainability of settlements?
EXAMPLE
Case Study: Dubai — How a Desert Settlement Transformed into a Global City
Over the last few decades, Dubai has transformed from a quiet desert village into one of the
most modern and dynamic cities in the world. Once dependent on fishing and pearl trading, the
community faced economic hardship when global markets collapsed in the early 20th century.
However, the discovery of oil brought new opportunities and rapid growth. The government
invested heavily in infrastructure, trade, and tourism, turning Dubai into a global hub of
business and travel. In just a few generations, the city’s skyline rose from sand dunes to
skyscrapers, its population multiplied, and people from many parts of the world came to live
and work there.
This remarkable transformation, however, brought both opportunities and challenges. The
rapid expansion created wealth and development but also placed pressure on the environment
and resources, especially water and energy. The population became diverse, with people
adapting to new ways of living in an urban and multicultural environment. Dubai’s leaders are
now exploring ways to balance progress with sustainability through innovation and long-term
planning. The city’s story offers a powerful example of how human ambition and vision can
reshape a settlement, and a reminder that lasting growth depends on how wisely we manage
change.
Analysis:
Guiding Questions Case Study 1: Dubai
1. What type of settlement was
it originally?
2. What major changes occurred
over time?
3. What caused these changes?
4. What are the positive effects
of these changes?
5. What are the negative effects
of these changes?
6. How have people and the
environment adapted?
7. What lessons can we learn
from this settlement’s change?