Why are cities where they are?
Every city in the world is where it is for a reason. People long ago needed water to drink, food to eat, ways to trade, and places to stay safe. The spot they chose decided whether their town grew into a great city... or disappeared.
Now it's YOUR turn. You and your settlers have landed on Discovery Island. Where will you build?
There's no single "right" answer. Every spot has good things and problems. Great city planners weigh the trade-offs!
My badges
0 badges
Explore Discovery Island
Tap each part of the island to scout it out. Find all 9 places!
Tap anywhere on the island!
0 of 9 places explored
Found Your City
Pick your spot, plan, and fast-forward 100 years!
Step 1: Choose your spot
Tap anywhere on the island to place your city.
Step 2: Answer the founder questions
100 years later...
My cities
Try at least 3 different spots. Which one was the best?
Geography Words
Talk like a real city planner!
Tap each card to flip it.
Match each word to its meaning
Site or situation?
Site is about the spot itself. Situation is about how the spot connects to other places.
Real Cities, Real Reasons
Why did people build these famous cities right where they are?
Match each city to its reason
Hometown check: Las Vegas
Defend Your Choice
Convince the settlers that YOUR spot is the best.
Locked!
Earn all 4 badges to unlock your final writing.
Pick your best city from your history table and write a speech to convince the settlers to build there. Use at least 3 paragraphs.
Optional offline challenge
With a partner, draw your own island on paper with at least 6 features (river, mountains, harbor, desert...). Swap islands. Each of you marks the best city spot on the other's island, then debate your choices! Or build your island out of clay or playdough.