Question bank

All 693 "Think about it" questions from the building pages, for warm-ups, discussions and writing prompts. Free to print and share for teaching.

Question of the day

Why might a king want such an enormous tomb?

From: Pyramid

Ancient Egypt

Pyramids and monuments

Why might a king want such an enormous tomb? Pyramid
How would you organize thousands of workers on one project? Pyramid
The Great Pyramid is about 4,500 years old. What would you build to last that long? Pyramid
Why might a ruler want to be shown as a lion? Great Sphinx
How would you protect a statue from sand and wind? Great Sphinx
What stories do people tell about statues near you? Great Sphinx
How might workers have stood a heavy obelisk upright? Obelisk
Should obelisks taken from Egypt be returned? Why or why not? Obelisk
Why would a ruler put their name on a monument? Obelisk
Why would a farming country value cats so much? Cat statue
What animals do people protect or honor today? Cat statue
How do pets help families? Cat statue

Pharaohs and temples

Why might palaces be built of mud brick, but temples of stone? Pharaoh's palace
What can a building's name tell us about who uses it? Pharaoh's palace
What would a ruler need in a palace besides a home? Pharaoh's palace
How would you run a country without money? Royal treasury
Why might a farmer's tax depend on the height of the flood? Royal treasury
What does your town pay for with taxes today? Royal treasury
Why might a temple have such a huge front door? Temple gateway
What do big entrances to buildings near you say to visitors? Temple gateway
Why did each king want to add to the temple? Temple gateway
How does a building feel when it is full of tall columns? Hall of columns
Why might temple builders want parts of a temple to be dim? Hall of columns
What shapes from nature do buildings near you copy? Hall of columns
Why would a king want giant statues of himself? Twin colossi
Why might the statues have survived when the temple did not? Twin colossi
What do statues in your town tell visitors? Twin colossi
Why might a festival route need resting places? Temple kiosk
How would you move a whole temple to save it? Temple kiosk
Where do people rest along busy routes near you? Temple kiosk

Writing and learning

Why might only a few people learn to write? Scribe school
Why did students practice on broken pottery instead of papyrus? Scribe school
Which jobs today depend on reading and writing? Scribe school
Why might a temple want a place for books and learning? House of Life
How was knowledge kept before printing? House of Life
Where is knowledge kept in your town? House of Life
Why might a king want a copy of every book? Great Library
What would be lost if a big library disappeared? Great Library
How do libraries today keep their books safe? Great Library

Food, work and trade

How would you agree a fair swap without money? Market
What problems could barter cause? Market
Where do the things in your kitchen come from? Market
Why is it wise to store food from good years? Granary
What could spoil stored grain, and how would you stop it? Granary
How do towns today make sure there is enough food? Granary
Why might boats be so important in a country built along a river? Boat workshop
Why would builders join planks with rope instead of nails? Boat workshop
What is built or made near where you live? Boat workshop
What would you need for a long journey across a desert? Desert camp
Why might a country send people so far for stone and metal? Desert camp
How do people travel to remote places today? Desert camp

Gardens and the Nile

Why would a garden be so precious in a dry land? Lotus garden
What would you plant in a garden with very little water? Lotus garden
How do gardens make people feel? Lotus garden
How many things can you make from one kind of tree? Palm grove
Why would farmers dig canals? Palm grove
Which plants are most useful where you live? Palm grove
Why might people link a flower that opens each morning with the sun? Lotus pool
Why would priests need to wash before a ceremony? Lotus pool
What flowers are special in your culture? Lotus pool
Why did the Nile make travel easy in one direction? Nile sailing boat
How do river boats carry goods today? Nile sailing boat
What is the main "highway" where you live? Nile sailing boat
Why might reeds float so well? Papyrus boat
What can people make from plants that grow near water? Papyrus boat
Where does the paper you use come from? Papyrus boat

Sports and feasts

Why would an army need so many archers? Archery range
Why might a king want people to believe he was very strong? Archery range
Which sports today began as training for war or hunting? Archery range
Why must rowers pull their oars at the same time? Rowing pool
Why would rowing matter so much on the Nile? Rowing pool
What water sports do people enjoy today? Rowing pool
How might the arrival of horses and chariots have changed Egypt? Chariot arena
Why do you think racing became so popular in later times? Chariot arena
What do people race today? Chariot arena
What does a feast tell us about the people who held it? Feast hall
Why might people paint party scenes in a tomb? Feast hall
How do people celebrate together where you live? Feast hall

Homes

Why is mud brick a good building material in a hot, dry land? Mud-brick house
What would happen to a mud-brick house in heavy rain? Mud-brick house
What are the houses near you made of? Mud-brick house
Why do people build upward in crowded places? Town house
Why do houses last less well than temples? Town house
How many floors do the homes near you have? Town house
How did children help their families? Family house
Which toys from ancient Egypt are still played with today? Family house
What rights should everyone in a family have? Family house
How did Egyptian houses stay cool without air conditioning? House with a porch
What would it be like to sleep on a headrest? House with a porch
How are homes near you kept cool or warm? House with a porch
Why would the tomb builders live in their own village? Village house
What can everyday notes tell us that monuments cannot? Village house
Why might workers go on strike? Village house
Why might a rich family want everything inside its own walls? Courtyard villa
Why is an abandoned city so useful to archaeologists? Courtyard villa
What would you put in your own courtyard? Courtyard villa
What does a dream home tell us about what people value? Garden villa
Why might someone want a model of their garden in their tomb? Garden villa
What would your dream home look like? Garden villa
Why would people sleep on the roof? Rooftop house
What could a roof be used for where you live? Rooftop house
How do the people near you cope with very hot weather? Rooftop house

Building and defense

Why would a country build forts along its borders? Watchtower
How could guards send news quickly without phones? Watchtower
Who keeps watch over your town? Watchtower
How does a counterweight make lifting easier? Lifting lever
Why might builders argue about how the pyramids were built? Lifting lever
What machines lift heavy things today? Lifting lever
Why build temples of stone but houses of mud brick? Building materials
How do you cut a stone that is harder than your tools? Building materials
What are buildings near you made of? Building materials

Vehicles and getting around

Why would a light chariot be faster than a heavy one? Chariot
How might chariots have changed the way wars were fought? Chariot
What is the fastest way to travel where you live? Chariot
Why would camels make desert travel easier? Camel rider
How did people manage before they had camels? Camel rider
Which animals help people where you live? Camel rider
Why might a river be better than a road for moving heavy loads? Ox cart
What jobs did oxen do before tractors? Ox cart
How are heavy goods moved near you? Ox cart
Why does wet sand help a sledge slide? Stone sledge
How many people would you need to move a statue as heavy as a truck? Stone sledge
How are very heavy things moved today? Stone sledge

Ancient Rome

Water and health

Why might engineers keep most of the channel underground? Aqueduct
Where does the water in your home come from, and how does it get there? Aqueduct
What would happen to a city if its aqueduct were cut off? Aqueduct
Who would use a public fountain, and how often? Public fountain
How would daily life change if your home had no running water? Public fountain
Why did Romans let the water run all the time instead of turning it off? Public fountain
Romans went to the baths to wash and to meet people. What places today do both jobs? Public baths
What would it take to heat so much water without electricity or gas? Public baths
Why do you think entry was kept cheap? Public baths

Government, law and money

Where is the "heart" of your town or city? What happens there? Forum
Why might it help to put courts, temples and shops in one place? Forum
Where do people today go to hear speeches or share news? Forum
Why might a city want courts and business in one central building? Basilica
Which buildings near you are used for many different purposes? Basilica
Why do you think churches borrowed this design? Basilica
How does your country or city make its laws? Where do lawmakers meet? Senate house (curia)
Why might a meeting hall be designed to look grand? Senate house (curia)
Who was left out of the Roman Senate? Senate house (curia)
Why might Romans keep public money in a temple? Treasury (Temple of Saturn)
What does a government spend money on today? Treasury (Temple of Saturn)
Why would a ruler put their own face on coins? Treasury (Temple of Saturn)

Temples and memorials

Why might a temple be built on a high platform? Temple
How is this different from places of worship you know? Temple
Why do you think public ceremonies happened outside? Temple
How else could a building without windows let in light? The Pantheon
Why might builders use lighter material at the top of a dome? The Pantheon
Why do you think this building has lasted so long? The Pantheon
Why might a shared flame matter to a whole city? Temple of Vesta
What symbols do cities or countries use today to show they are united? Temple of Vesta
Why would a temple be round instead of rectangular? Temple of Vesta
Why might Romans build tombs along busy roads? Mausoleum (round tomb)
How do people remember those who have died today? Mausoleum (round tomb)
Why do you think a tomb became a castle? Mausoleum (round tomb)
What does a city choose to remember with monuments, and who decides? Triumphal arch
How might people who were defeated feel about these arches? Triumphal arch
What monuments in your area celebrate events or people? Triumphal arch
Why tell a story in pictures instead of words? Victory column
Who could actually see the carvings near the top? Victory column
What stories does your community tell through monuments? Victory column
How do leaders today make sure people know what they look like? Statue of the emperor
Why would a statue show a ruler as young and strong? Statue of the emperor
What happens to statues of leaders when opinions about them change? Statue of the emperor

Shows and games

Seats were arranged by social rank. How do stadiums decide who sits where today? Amphitheater
Why would leaders pay for huge free shows? Amphitheater
How did 50,000 people get in and out without modern technology? Amphitheater
Why might a long, narrow shape suit chariot racing? Chariot racetrack (circus)
Why do you think fans felt so loyal to a team color? Chariot racetrack (circus)
What makes a sport popular enough to fill a stadium? Chariot racetrack (circus)
Most gladiators had no choice about fighting. How does that change how you see the games? Gladiator school
Why might an emperor build training schools right next to the Colosseum? Gladiator school
Why would audiences watch practice sessions? Gladiator school

Homes

Why might rulers build such huge homes? Imperial palace
What is the difference between a home and a palace? Imperial palace
How do leaders today mix home and office? Imperial palace
What would make living on an upper floor easier or harder? Apartment block (insula)
Why do you think the best Roman apartments were on the lower floors? Apartment block (insula)
How do modern apartment buildings handle water, fire and stairs? Apartment block (insula)
This house faces inward. What are the benefits of that? Town house (domus)
Why would a home be designed to impress visitors? Town house (domus)
How is collecting rainwater useful? Town house (domus)
Why might people want a second home away from the city? Country villa
Who did the work to keep a villa running? Country villa
What makes a place feel restful? Country villa

Food, work and trade

Where do people near you buy everyday things, and how far do they travel? Street shop (taberna)
What are the advantages of living above or behind your shop? Street shop (taberna)
How did shops advertise without screens or printing? Street shop (taberna)
Why might people in apartment blocks rely on street food? Snack bar (thermopolium)
What street food is popular where you live? Snack bar (thermopolium)
What can food remains tell archaeologists? Snack bar (thermopolium)
How does food reach the shops in your town? Warehouse (horrea)
Why would a city government care about its food supply? Warehouse (horrea)
What would happen if the grain ships stopped coming? Warehouse (horrea)

Learning

Who was left out of Roman education, and why does that matter? School
How is your school different from a Roman one? School
Do you agree with Quintilian that encouragement works better than punishment? School
How would it change things if every book had to be copied by hand? Library
Who could use a public library in Rome? Who can use yours? Library
Why might emperors build libraries? Library
What records does your government keep about you? Records office (tabularium)
Why was it important to display laws in public? Records office (tabularium)
What happens when records are lost or destroyed? Records office (tabularium)

Gardens and farmland

Where does the food in your kitchen come from? Farmhouse (villa rustica)
Why might farmers store oil and wine underground? Farmhouse (villa rustica)
How did food get from farms to the city? Farmhouse (villa rustica)
How could gardens collect and use rainwater? Garden courtyard
Why might city people want a garden at home? Garden courtyard
What plants would you grow, and why? Garden courtyard
How many different uses for olive oil can you think of? Olive grove
Why might a tree that lives for centuries be valuable to a farming family? Olive grove
What happens to packaging today when it is empty? Olive grove

Defense and travel

How long might it take to travel 100 kilometers on foot, or with a mule? Roadside inn
Why would an empire build roads and inns? Roadside inn
Where do travelers rest today on long journeys? Roadside inn
Why did Rome go for centuries without needing new walls? City walls and towers
How do cities protect people today? City walls and towers
What might it feel like to live inside city walls? City walls and towers
How did sailors find a safe harbor before electric lights? Lighthouse
Why would an empire invest in lighthouses? Lighthouse
What guides ships and planes today? Lighthouse

Building the city

How does a big wheel make a heavy stone easier to lift? Treadwheel crane
What machines do builders use today instead? Treadwheel crane
What would it be like to work inside the wheel? Treadwheel crane
Which of these materials could be found nearby, and which would need to be carried far? Building materials
Why might it matter that Roman concrete could set underwater? Building materials
What materials are buildings near you made from? Building materials

Vehicles and getting around

Why might a city ban delivery carts during the day? Ox cart
What problems do delivery trucks cause in cities today? Ox cart
Why would a farmer choose oxen instead of horses? Ox cart
Why would a racing chariot need to be very light? Chariot
Which modern sports stars are as famous as Roman charioteers? Chariot
Why might a general want to parade through the city in a chariot? Chariot
Why would traders use clay jars instead of boxes? Donkey cart
What does a hill of old jars tell us about Roman trade? Donkey cart
What do we throw away today that could tell future historians about us? Donkey cart
Is it fair that some people were carried while others did the carrying? Litter
What are the "litters" of today: ways only rich people travel? Litter
Why would a ruler limit who could use a litter? Litter

Modern Town

Homes and neighborhoods

What are the benefits and costs of every family having its own house and garden? Family house
How far would you walk from this house to a shop or school? Family house
Who might find it hard to afford a house like this? Family house
If you lived here, how would you get to school without a car? Suburban house
Why might a town keep homes and shops in separate areas? What changes if they mix? Suburban house
How did rules about who could buy homes shape cities? Suburban house
Why might it be better to improve an old building than to replace it? Older brick house
What could your home do to waste less energy? Older brick house
Who should pay for upgrades: owners, tenants or government? Older brick house
What would you share with your neighbors if you lived here? Apartment building
How do people using wheelchairs or strollers reach the upper floors? Apartment building
Why might a bus route be easier to run near apartment buildings? Apartment building
Would you like to live on the 40th floor? What would be good and hard about it? Residential tower
What happens in a tower when the power goes out? Residential tower
How could a tower help neighbors meet each other? Residential tower
What are the benefits of living above shops? Are there downsides? Shops with homes above
What shops would you want under your home? Shops with homes above
Why might a busy street feel safer than an empty one? Shops with homes above

Government and public services

What would you ask your local council to change? Town hall
How can residents who cannot attend meetings still have a say? Town hall
Why might a town hall be built to look grand? Town hall
Why do you think capitols borrow ideas from ancient Rome and Greece? Capitol building
If you could propose one law, what would it be? Capitol building
How can young people make their voices heard by lawmakers? Capitol building
How far is the nearest clinic from your home? How would you get there? Health clinic
Why might it be cheaper to keep people healthy than to treat them later? Health clinic
Besides medicine, what helps people stay healthy? Health clinic
How would life be different if every town had its own time? Clock tower
Where do you see the time each day? Clock tower
Why do towns still build clock towers if everyone has a phone? Clock tower

Streets, water and safety

Is the walk to your school safe? What would make it safer? Streets and crosswalks
Who should streets be designed for first: people walking, cycling, riding buses or driving? Streets and crosswalks
Can you think of other designs that help one group but end up helping everyone? Streets and crosswalks
How many times a day do you use water? For what? Water system
Why do you think water systems are often invisible? Water system
Who should pay to replace old pipes? Water system
Why might ships still need lighthouses in the age of GPS? Lighthouse
What would it be like to live as a lighthouse keeper? Lighthouse
What other "signals" help keep people safe? Lighthouse
Why might a person still be useful when we have satellites and cameras? Fire lookout tower
How could you find a fire's location using two lookouts? Fire lookout tower
What can people living near forests do to stay safe? Fire lookout tower

Learning and culture

Who might rely on a public library the most? Public library
Why is it important that some places are free to enter? Public library
What would you add to a library of the future? Public library
What would make the trip to your school safer or more fun? School
If you could redesign one room in your school, which would it be? School
Why might a school be a good place for community events? School
What experiment would you most like to try? Science center and observatory
Why might an observatory be better outside a big city? Science center and observatory
How can museums make science welcoming to everyone? Science center and observatory
What traditions in your family or community would you share at a cultural center? Cultural center
Why does it matter who tells a community's story? Cultural center
How can neighbors from different backgrounds get to know each other? Cultural center

Work and shopping

What can you reach on foot from home in ten minutes? Corner store
Why might a small shop be important even if there is a big supermarket further away? Corner store
How could a town help people get healthy food? Corner store
How do people get to work here, and what does each way of traveling need? Office building
Would you rather work from home or in an office? Why? Office building
What could happen to empty office buildings? Office building
Why do cities build skyscrapers? Skyscraper
How might a tall building affect the street below: light, wind, crowds? Skyscraper
What would you put at the top of a skyscraper? Skyscraper
Pick something you own. How many places might it have traveled through to reach you? Warehouse
What are the good and bad effects of a warehouse next to homes? Warehouse
How could deliveries be made cleaner and quieter? Warehouse

Gathering and community

What services or activities would you put in a community center? Community center
Where are the "third places" in your life? Community center
Why might a community center matter during an emergency? Community center
What makes a public square feel welcoming: seating, shade, water, quiet? Public square and fountain
What events would you hold in a town square? Public square and fountain
Why might some people avoid a square, and how could that change? Public square and fountain
What churches are in your area, and what do they look like? Church
How do churches help people in their town? Church
Why do you think so many church windows tell Bible stories? Church
What makes an outdoor meeting place comfortable for everyone? Outdoor gathering circle
Why might sitting in a circle change how people talk? Outdoor gathering circle
What rules would keep a fire circle safe? Outdoor gathering circle
What would you want your town to remember, and how? Memorial
Why might people disagree about a monument? Memorial
Is a tall monument or a quiet one more powerful? Why? Memorial
What artwork would you create for your town, and where would you put it? Public art
Who should choose public art: experts, leaders or residents? Public art
Can art make a place feel safer or friendlier? Public art

Parks, sport and play

How might parks help a city with heat, rainwater and wellbeing? City park
Is there a park within a 10-minute walk of your home? City park
What would you add to make a park better for teenagers, or for older people? City park
What is the best playground you have been to, and why? Treehouse playground
Why might a little risk be good for children? Treehouse playground
How could a playground be fun for children of all abilities? Treehouse playground
Who gets to use a public field, and when? Sports field
Would you choose grass or artificial turf? Why? Sports field
How could a sports field also be used by people who do not play sport? Sports field
Compare this with the Roman amphitheater. What is the same, and what is different? Stadium
Should cities pay to build stadiums for private teams? Stadium
How can tens of thousands of people leave a stadium safely? Stadium
What makes it easier or harder for people to exercise regularly? Recreation center
Should public gyms be free? Who would pay? Recreation center
How could a gym welcome people who feel nervous about exercise? Recreation center
Who should decide how shared land is used? Community garden
What would you grow if you had a plot? Community garden
How could a community garden welcome people who have never gardened? Community garden

Building the town

Building sites can block sidewalks. How can a town keep people safe and moving while it builds? Tower crane
Why does a crane need a counterweight? Tower crane
How might a crane get to the top of a tall building, and back down? Tower crane
Where do building materials come from, and how do they reach the site? Building materials
Why might reusing an old building be better for the planet than building new? Building materials
Would you live in a tall building made of wood? Why or why not? Building materials

Vehicles and getting around

How would your town look if nobody owned a car? Family car
What could a parking lot be used for instead? Family car
Who can't drive, and how do they get around? Family car
Who in your town most needs taxis? Taxi
Should taxis be required to carry wheelchairs? Taxi
How did apps change the way people book a ride? Taxi
What jobs really need a pickup truck? Pickup truck
Should streets have rules about vehicle size? Pickup truck
How could a vehicle be designed to protect people walking? Pickup truck
How many deliveries come to your street in a week? Delivery van
Would you walk to a parcel locker to reduce traffic? Delivery van
Where can a van stop on your street without blocking anyone? Delivery van

Green World

Living buildings

Would you trust a bridge made of living roots? What would make you feel safe? Great tree hall
What are the advantages of a building that grows? What are the problems? Great tree hall
Why might it be worth waiting decades for a structure to grow? Great tree hall
If a building could breathe like a plant, what would change about cities? Sunlight hall
Why might scientists copy leaves even though solar panels are more efficient? Sunlight hall
Would you want algae in the walls of your home? Sunlight hall
Bridges between trees save ground space. Who might find them hard to use? Treetop village
How could a treetop village include everyone? Treetop village
What would it be like to sleep in a home that sways in the wind? Treetop village
Would you like to live in a building covered in trees? What would be good and hard about it? Tree tower home
Who should look after trees on a tall building? Tree tower home
Is it better to put trees on buildings or in streets and parks? Tree tower home
What would it take to build with materials that grow back? Living crane
Why might bamboo be a good material in some places but not others? Living crane
What happens to a crane, or a building, at the end of its life? Living crane

Homes in the forest

What would be good and hard about living inside a hill? Hillside home
Why might a home in the ground need less heating? Hillside home
How would you bring daylight into an underground room? Hillside home
Would you live in a tall building made of wood? Why or why not? Timber family house
How can we use wood without harming forests? Timber family house
Why does it matter how long a building lasts? Timber family house
How do you keep cool on a hot day without electricity? Breathing spire
Why might copying termites be useful for architects? Breathing spire
What other animals build clever homes? Breathing spire
How could gardens on roofs help a city? Green-roof cottage
Why might a green roof be harder to build than an ordinary one? Green-roof cottage
Which buildings near you could have a green roof? Green-roof cottage
What materials could you find within a few kilometers of your home to build with? Forest cottage
Why might natural materials be healthier to live with? Forest cottage
What are the downsides of building with earth and straw? Forest cottage
Where do you feel calmest, and is nature part of it? Leafy cottage
How could your classroom or bedroom bring in more nature? Leafy cottage
Why might a view of trees help someone heal? Leafy cottage
Should buildings be designed to delight people, not only to be useful? Mushroom cottage
What could you make from materials that grow? Mushroom cottage
Why might compostable materials help reduce waste? Mushroom cottage

Water and energy

How could a city make its water system visible, so people value it? Wetland fountain
Why might a marsh be better than a concrete plant in some places? Wetland fountain
What lives in a wetland? Wetland fountain
How could gardens collect and clean rainwater? Rain garden court
Where does the rain go when it falls on your school? Rain garden court
What would a "sponge city" look like? Rain garden court
How might a city protect the source of its water? Spring circle
Where does your drinking water come from? Spring circle
Is it cheaper to protect nature or to fix problems later? Spring circle
What are the good and bad sides of getting energy from rivers? Waterfall tower
Why might water power work at night when solar does not? Waterfall tower
How can we share a river between people and fish? Waterfall tower
What makes an outdoor meeting place comfortable for everyone? Warm gathering circle
Why might Iceland be especially good for geothermal energy? Warm gathering circle
Where could your town get clean heat from? Warm gathering circle

Wildlife and wild places

Why might a city plant flowers for pollinators? Pollinator meadow
Could your school or street have a meadow? Pollinator meadow
What foods would we lose without pollinators? Pollinator meadow
How much of a city should stay wild? Tiny forest
Where could a tiny forest grow near you? Tiny forest
Why might many different kinds of trees be better than just one? Tiny forest
Why might building a bridge for animals also help people? Stag crossing
Are there places near you where animals try to cross roads? Stag crossing
How could towns be designed around animal paths? Stag crossing
Should some land be left for nature to manage itself? Deer statue
What might happen if beavers returned to rivers near you? Deer statue
How do we balance land for food with land for wildlife? Deer statue
When did you last see the Milky Way? Star dome
How could your street have less light pollution and still be safe? Star dome
Why might animals need darkness? Star dome
Would you want a garden that glows at night? Firefly tower
What should we think about before changing the genes of plants? Firefly tower
Why do so many deep-sea animals make light? Firefly tower

Learning and gathering

Why might it be important to save seeds from plants we do not use today? Seed library
What seeds would you put in a seed library? Seed library
Why would a seed vault be built inside a frozen mountain? Seed library
What would learning outdoors offer? What would it need in bad weather? Forest school
What could you learn in a wood that you cannot learn indoors? Forest school
How could a forest school include children who use wheelchairs? Forest school
What signs tell you the seasons are changing where you live? Seasons tower
Why might a record kept for hundreds of years be so valuable? Seasons tower
What could you observe and record each week? Seasons tower
How would decisions be made fairly in a place like this? Council terrace
What "commons" do you share at school or at home? Council terrace
What rules would you make for sharing a forest? Council terrace
Who speaks for people not yet born? Palace of the long future
What decision today will matter most in 100 years? Palace of the long future
How could your school think about the long-term future? Palace of the long future
How do you feel after spending time outdoors? Forest training grove
Why might scientists want large studies before making health claims? Forest training grove
What outdoor place near you could be used for exercise? Forest training grove
What creatures might live in the treetops above your local park? Canopy climbing course
Why might the canopy be hard to study? Canopy climbing course
Would you walk on a rope bridge 30 meters up? Canopy climbing course
Why might a curved shape help people hear? Open-air theater
What performance would you put on in a forest theater? Open-air theater
How could people with limited mobility reach the seats? Open-air theater

Making and trading

How could shade reduce a city's need for cooling? Canopy market
Where would shade help most in your town? Canopy market
Why might trees be better than umbrellas for shade? Canopy market
What happens to food that is not sold where you live? Harvest market hall
How could a market produce less waste? Harvest market hall
Is food grown nearby always better for the planet? Why or why not? Harvest market hall
How could a city reuse wood instead of cutting new trees? Repair workshop
What have you repaired, or could you repair? Repair workshop
Why are some products hard to fix? Repair workshop
What problem could you solve by copying a plant or animal? Nature's materials
How could builders take only what nature can replace? Nature's materials
Why might a material made nearby be better for the planet? Nature's materials

Vehicles and getting around

When is a sled better than a wheel? Deer sleigh
What would it take to care for working animals well? Deer sleigh
Which is better for a quiet forest: animals or electric vehicles? Deer sleigh
Why might a horse be better than a machine in a forest? Flower cart
Could cargo bikes replace some vans in your town? Flower cart
What does a working animal need to be healthy and safe? Flower cart
Which parts of a car could be made from plants? Mushroom carriage
What would happen to a plant-based car at the end of its life? Mushroom carriage
Is a lighter car always better? Mushroom carriage

Robotic Future

Homes beyond Earth

Would you trade space for convenience? Pod home
Why might a fabric wall be safer than it sounds? Pod home
What would you need in a home with no way to pop outside? Pod home
Why might it be safer to build several small modules than one big one? Moon base home
How would you spend two weeks of darkness on the Moon? Moon base home
What would you miss most about Earth? Moon base home
Why might it be better to build from local soil than bring materials from Earth? Printed shelter
What would robots need to know to build a home without people? Printed shelter
Would you volunteer to live in a simulated Mars base for a year? Printed shelter
How would you keep spirits up while sheltering for two days? Radiation storm shelter
Why might water be a good radiation shield? Radiation storm shelter
How do we prepare for storms on Earth? Radiation storm shelter
Why must only one airlock door open at a time? Airlock and suit hangar
How do you keep mud out of your home on rainy days? Could that help on the Moon? Airlock and suit hangar
What would you design to clean a dusty spacesuit? Airlock and suit hangar

Air, water and food

Sealed homes control air and temperature. What might residents miss? Life support dome
Why is it important to have backups for life support? Life support dome
How is the air in your classroom kept fresh? Life support dome
Would you drink recycled water if you knew it was cleaner than tap water? Water recycler
How much water do you use in a day? Water recycler
What could cities on Earth learn from space water recycling? Water recycler
What problems could growing food in a dome solve, and what might it cost? Greenhouse dome
What could go wrong if one part of a living system failed? Greenhouse dome
What did Biosphere 2 teach about how complicated nature is? Greenhouse dome
Should food be grown inside cities? What would it need? Indoor farm
Why might astronauts value fresh food more than people on Earth? Indoor farm
Which foods would be hardest to grow indoors? Indoor farm
Can technology and nature share the same space? Tree pod habitat
What would you bring to remind you of home? Tree pod habitat
Is a tree on Mars a luxury or a need? Tree pod habitat
Who should be allowed to mine ice on the Moon? Ice mine and water works
Why is water useful for so many things in space? Ice mine and water works
How would you dig in a crater that never sees sunlight? Ice mine and water works
Why would astronauts want the oxygen factory running before they arrive? Oxygen factory
What else could be made from local materials? Oxygen factory
What would happen to the settlement if the factory broke down? Oxygen factory

Power, factories and building

Where should a city's energy come from, and who decides? Power tower
What are the risks and benefits of nuclear power in space? Power tower
Why does a settlement need power every single minute? Power tower
If robots build things, who checks they are safe and fair? Robotics factory
What jobs should robots do, and what jobs should people keep? Robotics factory
How would you repair a robot millions of kilometers from a shop? Robotics factory
What would you print if you had a 3D printer at home? Fabrication shop
Why might it be safer to carry printers than spare parts? Fabrication shop
How could printing help reduce waste on Earth? Fabrication shop
If machines did most building work, what work would people still choose to do? Robotic crane
Why might a swinging load be dangerous on the Moon? Robotic crane
What is the difference between weight and mass? Robotic crane
Could buildings be designed to be taken apart and reused? Space building materials
What would you ship from Earth, and what would you make locally? Space building materials
How could packaging on Earth be reused instead of thrown away? Space building materials

Health and community

How would you stay fit if you could not walk normally? Low-gravity gym
Why might exercise be more important in space than on Earth? Low-gravity gym
How much exercise do you get each day? Low-gravity gym
Why do you feel pushed outward on a fast roundabout? Spinning gravity arena
Would you rather exercise every day or live in a spinning station? Spinning gravity arena
What problems would a spinning station need to solve? Spinning gravity arena
What medical skills should everyone in a settlement learn? Medical bay
How could doctors help when messages take 20 minutes to arrive? Medical bay
Why is mental health important on long missions? Medical bay
In a highly automated city, where would people meet face to face? Community plaza
How do you get along with people when you cannot get away from them? Community plaza
What tradition would you start in a new settlement? Community plaza
Could technology help more people take part in decisions? Could it shut some out? Civic dome
Should anyone be allowed to own land on the Moon? Civic dome
What would be the first three rules you would make for a Mars settlement? Civic dome

Science and communication

Who should benefit from discoveries made here? Science lab
Why must scientists be careful not to bring Earth life to Mars? Science lab
What would you most like to find on another world? Science lab
Why might a city spend money on looking at space? Far-side radio telescope
What makes the far side of the Moon so quiet? Far-side radio telescope
What questions about the universe would you want answered? Far-side radio telescope
How would you chat with a friend on Mars if each message took 20 minutes? Communications relay
What would happen to a settlement if communications failed? Communications relay
Why does NASA need antennas on three continents? Communications relay
What would happen to a settlement if communications failed during a solar storm? Space weather station
How could space weather affect your life on Earth? Space weather station
Why are auroras linked to the Sun? Space weather station
How would you keep in touch with family if you lived on Mars? Hologram hall
What jobs could be done from far away using robots? Hologram hall
Is talking to a hologram the same as being together? Hologram hall
What decisions should a robot be allowed to make on its own? Robot monument
Why do people feel attached to robot explorers? Robot monument
What job would you give a robot helper? Robot monument

Travel and operations

Is a launch pad a good neighbor? What trade-offs does it bring? Launch pad
Why is it easier to launch from the Moon than from Earth? Launch pad
How would you protect buildings from flying dust? Launch pad
What would change if space travel became as normal as flying? Spaceport
Why does reusing rockets matter? Spaceport
Who should be able to travel to space? Spaceport
Why might a space elevator be easier to build on the Moon than on Earth? Space elevator anchor
What would change if getting to space were as easy as a lift ride? Space elevator anchor
What other "impossible" ideas later became real? Space elevator anchor
How would you design wheels for soft, sharp dust? Rover test track
Why would a rover need to be able to drive itself? Rover test track
What should every rover carry in case of emergency? Rover test track
What makes a team work well under pressure? Mission control
Why do flight controllers practice emergencies so often? Mission control
How should decisions be shared between a crew and Mission Control? Mission control
What would you check first every morning in a space settlement? Settlement operations center
Why should anyone be able to raise a safety concern? Settlement operations center
How is your town's power and water monitored? Settlement operations center

Vehicles and getting around

Why does a maglev train need a special track? Hover car
Why couldn't a hovercraft work on the Moon? Hover car
Would floating cars make streets safer or more dangerous? Hover car
What would you pack for a two-week rover trip on the Moon? Pressurized rover
Why keep spacesuits outside the cabin? Pressurized rover
What should happen if the rover breaks down far from base? Pressurized rover
Which jobs should robot vehicles do, and which should people do? Cargo pod
Who is responsible if a self-driving vehicle crashes? Cargo pod
Why are mines a good place to test self-driving trucks? Cargo pod
Why do helicopter blades need to spin faster on Mars? Drone taxi
Would you ride in a drone taxi? Why or why not? Drone taxi
What rules should flying vehicles follow over a city? Drone taxi

Heavenly City

1. The promise

What do you think "very good" says about the world God made? Tree of life
Why do you think the Bible begins and ends with a tree of life? Tree of life
What do trees give to people and animals? Tree of life
Why might a rainbow be a good sign of a promise? Rainbow pavilion
Which of God's promises in this part would you most like to remember? Rainbow pavilion
Why does it matter to keep a promise? Rainbow pavilion

2. Jesus is born

How do you think Mary felt when she heard the angel's news? Angel statue
What does the name Immanuel, "God with us", tell us about Jesus? Angel statue
What good news would you like to bring someone? Angel statue
Why do you think God's Son was born in such a humble place? Welcome hall
How would you have welcomed Mary and Joseph? Welcome hall
How could you make a newcomer feel welcome? Welcome hall
Why do you think the angels told shepherds first? Bell tower
Why is the birth of a Savior called "good news of great joy"? Bell tower
What sounds mean celebration where you live? Bell tower
Why do you think the wise men traveled so far? Palace of light
What gift would you bring to Jesus? Palace of light
Why might Herod have been afraid of a baby king? Palace of light

3. Growing up

What questions would you have asked the teachers in the temple? Hall of wisdom
What do you think it means to grow "in wisdom and stature"? Hall of wisdom
Why might Jesus have called the temple his Father's house? Hall of wisdom
Why do you think John called Jesus "the Lamb of God"? Dove statue
What did the voice from heaven say about Jesus? Dove statue
How did Jesus answer when he was tempted? Dove statue

4. Jesus begins his work

Why do you think Jesus helped at a wedding? Garden villa
What did Mary tell the servants to do? Garden villa
What does a sign point to? Garden villa
What do you think Jesus meant by being "born again"? Lamp tower
What does John 3:16 say God did because he loved the world? Lamp tower
How is Jesus like a light in the dark? Lamp tower
What do you think Jesus meant by "living water"? Fountain of life
Why was the woman surprised that Jesus spoke to her? Fountain of life
What could people do so that everyone has clean water? Fountain of life
What good news did Isaiah say the promised one would bring? Scroll library
Why do you think everyone stared at Jesus? Scroll library
Why would people copy books by hand so carefully? Scroll library
Why do you think the fishermen left everything to follow Jesus? Swan boat
What do you think "you will catch men" means? Swan boat
What did the storm show the disciples about Jesus? Swan boat

5. Jesus teaches

Which blessing from the Sermon on the Mount do you like best, and why? Lantern circle
What does it mean to "let your light shine"? Lantern circle
What good deed could you do this week? Lantern circle
What do you think "on earth as it is in heaven" means? School of wisdom
Which part of the Lord's Prayer would you most like to remember? School of wisdom
When could you find a quiet moment to pray? School of wisdom
What do you think Jesus meant about not worrying? Lily garden
What are "treasures in heaven"? Lily garden
What could you plant to help bees? Lily garden
What does it mean to build your life "on the rock"? Light crane
Why is it not enough just to hear good words? Light crane
Why does a building need a strong foundation? Light crane

6. Jesus heals and welcomes

Why do you think Jesus asked the man, "Do you want to get well?" Spring pool
How did the man's life change that day? Spring pool
Where do you go to feel calm? Spring pool
What did the boy share, and what did Jesus do with it? Sharing pavilion
What do you think Jesus meant by "I am the bread of life"? Sharing pavilion
What could you share with someone this week? Sharing pavilion
Why do you think the disciples tried to send the children away? Marble cottage
What do you think it means to receive God's kingdom "like a little child"? Marble cottage
How can you make younger children feel welcome? Marble cottage
Why do you think the father ran? Golden track
What does this story show about how God feels when someone comes back to him? Golden track
How can you welcome someone who has said sorry? Golden track
Why do you think Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus so badly? Hall of treasures
What changed in Zacchaeus after he met Jesus? Hall of treasures
What kind of "treasure" could you give that doesn't cost money? Hall of treasures

7. The last week

Why do you think Jesus washed his friends' feet? Banquet hall
What did Jesus ask his followers to remember? Banquet hall
What does it look like to love others the way Jesus loves? Banquet hall
How do you think Jesus's words comforted his friends? House of many rooms
What do you think Jesus meant when he said, "I am the way"? House of many rooms
What makes a house feel like home? House of many rooms
What did Jesus pray in the garden? Prayer chapel
Why do you think Jesus did not fight back? Prayer chapel
When is it hard to say "not what I want, but what you want"? Prayer chapel
How do you think Peter felt when the rooster crowed? Victors' arena
What do you think Jesus meant by "My kingdom is not of this world"? Victors' arena
Why do you think Jesus let himself be treated this way? Victors' arena
Why do you think Jesus rode a donkey instead of a war horse? Donkey with fruit
Why did the crowd shout "Hosanna"? Donkey with fruit
How could a donkey library help children? Donkey with fruit

8. The cross and the empty tomb

What did Jesus pray for the people who hurt him? Sky bridge
What did Jesus promise the criminal who asked to be remembered? Sky bridge
Why does the Bible say Jesus died? Sky bridge
Why do you think the leaders wanted the tomb guarded? Building materials
How do you think the women felt when the angel spoke? Building materials
What does "He has risen" mean? Building materials
How did Mary know it was Jesus? Garden of light
Why is the resurrection such good news? Garden of light
How do people you know celebrate Easter? Garden of light

9. The good news spreads

What task did Jesus give his followers? Cloud island
What did Jesus promise when he said, "I am with you always"? Cloud island
How can something as heavy as a cloud float? Cloud island
Why do you think Paul and Silas sang in prison? Harp workshop
What did they tell the jailer he must do to be saved? Harp workshop
How does music change the way you feel? Harp workshop
What was the official reading when Philip met him? Golden chariot
Why do you think he wanted to be baptized right away? Golden chariot
Who could you tell some good news to? Golden chariot

10. Everything new

What will be gone from the new city, according to Revelation? Pearl gate
Who does the Bible invite to "come"? Pearl gate
What would a city whose gates are never shut be like? Pearl gate
What did the two men in white promise? Cloud carriage
Why do you think Jesus told his followers to be ready? Cloud carriage
How can magnets lift a whole train? Cloud carriage