Introduction:
Buffalo, the second-largest city in New York State, has a rich history and is home to beautiful architecture, booming industries, and a diverse culture. Educating students about the size of Buffalo helps them understand the geographical space that encompasses the city and its population. In this article, we will discuss ways of teaching students about Buffalo’s size and why it’s essential in understanding the city’s development.
Sparking Curiosity:
One critical aspect of teaching students anything new is to first spark their curiosity. Encourage them by asking questions about what they know or think they know about Buffalo’s size. Let them guess about its landmass, population, and general statistics. This approach creates an environment where students are eager to learn more.
Geographical Information:
Provide students with detailed geographical information about Buffalo, including the fact that it covers approximately 52.5 square miles (136 sq km). Discuss Buffalo’s location on Lake Erie’s eastern shore and how it is part of Niagara Frontier. By illustrating Buffalo’s position on maps and photographs, students can gain a better grasp on its size and surroundings.
History & Population Growth:
The history of Buffalo is closely linked to its size. Teach students how the construction of the Erie Canal in 1825 helped transform Buffalo from a small trading community into a thriving city. Examine different eras to see how expansion and industrialization have affected fluctuations in population over time. As per the 2020 US Census data, present-day Buffalo has an estimated population of around 278,349 people.
Colorful Comparisons:
A great way to help students visualize Buffalo’s size is by drawing comparisons with other well-known cities or landmarks in terms that they understand. For example, you could explain how Disneyland would fit within Buffalo’s land area approximately nine times over! Visual representations such as these make abstract concepts more relatable for students.
Active Exploration:
Organize field trips or virtual tours to explore places within Buffalo like Delaware Park, Canalside, or the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Help students recognize how varying neighborhoods in Buffalo use different amounts of space and resources. Having students analyze these differences will give them a better understanding of the impact of the city’s size on its residents and structure.
Currency in Preservation Efforts:
Discuss the role of size in preservation efforts in Buffalo. Explain how this affects historical buildings and parks, as well as schemes for urban renewal and environmental initiatives such as protecting waterfront areas from overdevelopment.
Conclusion:
Teaching students about Buffalo’s size is essential for understanding the city’s history, geography, and overall evolution. By sparking curiosity, presenting geographical information, exploring comparisons, and engaging in active exploration of the city itself, educators can help students grasp this essential aspect of Buffalo’s story. In doing so, we encourage a greater appreciation for the city for future generations to enjoy and preserve.
