Smart Cities with Geometry and AI: 3D Modeling and Sustainable Urban Solutions

This session introduces Smart Cities with Geometry and Artificial Intelligence, where participants experience how mathematics connects with real-world urban challenges. Using Tinkercad, GeoGebra, and SketchUp, they design 3D models of city structures and integrate SimCity BuildIt simulations to analyze mobility, energy, and services. The activities highlight how geometry supports sustainable planning, critical thinking, and digital innovation. Time: Introduction and framing (10 min): Present examples of smart city initiatives and the role of math and AI in urban planning. Tool exploration (20 min): Step-by-step walkthrough of Tinkercad, GeoGebra, and SketchUp for 3D modeling, followed by SimCity BuildIt for AI simulations. Hands-on practice (30 min): Participants design a city prototype, manipulate geometric figures digitally, and simulate scenarios to test sustainability solutions. Collaboration and discussion (15 min): Peer sharing of prototypes, analysis of urban trade-offs (mobility vs. energy efficiency), and strategies for classroom adaptation. Closing reflection (10 min): Review of challenges and benefits, with participants planning how to replicate the project in their own teaching contexts. Process and Engagement: The session is highly interactive: participants sketch, model, and simulate smart city solutions, moving from mathematical representation to digital prototyping. Collaborative exchanges encourage multiple perspectives, while guided prompts ensure connections to sustainability and equity. By working with accessible, free tools, educators see how the project is replicable worldwide and adaptable across grade levels and disciplines (math, STEM, social studies).

Gadanidis, G. (2017). Coding, mathematics, and art: Exploring student learning through 3D printing and coding. Journal of Mathematics Education at Teachers College, 8(1), 25–31. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1145405 Tejera, M., Galiç, S., & Lavicza, Z. (2025). 3D Modelling and Printing in Teacher Education: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal for STEM Education Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41979-025-00147-2 “Immersive Learning Technology for Teacher Education” by Silaiyappan, S. (2025). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1465549.pdf

Tinkercad GeoGebra 3D Graphing SketchUp Free SimCity BuildIt