Select an area of about four contiguous blocks in an urban or rural community but do not provide the name of the area in your response. Walk or drive around this area and consider what you see in this space, using the following as a guide for content.
- social interaction outside of buildings/ homes: (who is interacting w whom and what do they seem to be doing)
- condition of housing stock (inhabited vs. abandoned dwelling units, single detached homes, abandoned commercial buildings)
- social institutions (noncommercial) such as churches, block clubs and associations
- educational facilities, e.g., schools, libraries, etc.
- commerce/ businesses
- conditions of sidewalks and streets
- areas for children to play
- nearest park or recreation center-- what facilities does it have? Does it seem to be used during the day?
- green space other than parks (trees, flowers plants) note conditions
- evidence of city services, municipal personnel (e.g. police, fire, education, sanitation, public health)
- other observations of the area
Consider the time of day and duration of your tour, as well as any relevant weather conditions. Be aware of potential hazards and always put your personal safety first. Select a time of day most suitable to observe and be as inconspicuous as possible. In no more than 300 words relate your observations to the capacity of this "community" related to the health of its residents.
Responses:
PH 423 Conferencing Exercises last updated April 12, 2004 (epowell)