This video looks at the meaning of sustainable development and why the current best practices prescribe participatory methods. It also presents a visual model for sustainable development that is closer to the physical reality than the "triple bottom line" model of environmental, equity, and economic goals. This video is part of the Sustainability Learning Suites, made possible in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation. See 'Learn more about this resource' for Learning Objectives and Activities.

This video explores the meaning of sustainable development from a biomimicry view. It is largely based on the work of CS Holling and associates. This video is part of the Sustainability Learning Suites, made possible in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation. See 'Learn more about this resource' for Learning Objectives and Activities.

This video explores the meaning of sustainable development from a biomimicry view. It is largely based on the work of CS Holling and associates. This video is part of the Sustainability Learning Suites, made possible in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation. See 'Learn more about this resource' for Learning Objectives and Activities.

This video considers a model of human impact proposed by Ehrlich and Holdren called the "IPAT" equation. It reveals its underlying assumptions and the additional opportunities for reducing impact. This video is part of the Sustainability Learning Suites, made possible in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation. See 'Learn more about this resource' for Learning Objectives and Activities.

In this lesson from the World Affairs Council of Seattle - Global Classroom Program, students learn about United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #13: Climate Action. They will examine the causes and consequences of climate change and explore possible courses of action to address the issue. Students will engage in activities to reflect on previous knowledge, develop new learning, and encourage creative and critical thinking.Some of the activities in this lesson include a KWL Chart using Jamboard, a think-pair-share, a cause and effect graphic organizer, and a Flip video. These individual and collaborative learning experiences will help students deepen their understanding of climate change and its impact on communities locally and globally. Through these activities, students will communicate what they have learned about climate change and sustainability and utilize problem-solving skills to generate tangible solutions. 

In this lesson from the World Affairs Council of Seattle - Global Classroom Program, students learn about United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Students will engage in a series of individual and collaborative learning activities that prompt them to reflect on the concepts, peace, and justice, and how they are important to creating stable and inclusive societies. Students will work in small groups to assess how societies can enhance civic engagement, representative decision-making, and protect individual and collective freedoms. Students will discuss how to leverage partnerships and cultivate relationships that result in community building. In addition, students will identify and describe the characteristics associated with the rule of law and examine specific case studies that highlight the progress and challenges nations face on this issue. Finally, students will evaluate the role of citizens and government leaders in effectively addressing social and political issues, including action steps that can be taken to support peaceful and inclusive communities.

Continuation of 15.871, emphasizing tools and methods needed to apply systems thinking and simulation modeling successfully in complex real-world settings. Uses simulation models, management flight simulators, and case studies to deepen the conceptual and modeling skills introduced in 15.871. Through models and case studies of successful applications students learn how to use qualitative and quantitative data to formulate and test models, and how to work effectively with senior executives to implement change successfully.

This one-day workshop provides a brief overview of system dynamics and a hands-on simulation experience. It also serves as a preview of the more in-depth coverage of the subject available in other courses offered at MIT Sloan.

This one-day workshop provides a brief overview of system dynamics and a hands-on simulation experience. It also serves as a preview of the more in-depth coverage of the subject available in other courses offered at MIT Sloan.

The “Systems Are Everywhere” module was originally written for high school science teachers or counselors to use in any setting (in class or in extracurricular programs). However, during field-testing, we found that many elementary and middle school teachers were able to use these lessons successfully with their students. The module is made up of three lessons that serve to foster students’ understanding of systems, systems models, and systems thinking at every level of learning and across many content areas. Blended throughout the lessons are career connections that will introduce students to diverse systems thinkers in STEM, and provide context for how systems approaches are used in real life to address complex problems. The lessons and module can be used as a stand-alone set of activities or can be integrated into any course as an extension or enrichment.

The module begins with students modeling a complex system. Students will brainstorm and sketch the parts and connections of the system, then use an online tool (Loopy) to model the interactions of those parts and connections. Next, students will develop their understanding of systems thinking skills and their application for addressing problems and solutions. Then, students will apply their knowledge and skills to model a system of their choosing. Lastly, they will showcase their skills by creating a student profile and integrating their systems thinking skills into a resume.

Target Audience
This is our introductory module that we recommend teaching before each of our other modules to give students a background in systems and to help them understand the many careers available in STEM. This module can be applied easily to any content area and works best as written for students between 6th and 12th grades but can be adapted for other ages. It works very well when teaching virtually and in-person. If you are looking for an introduction to systems that can be delivered in-person with more kinesthetic activities, please see our Introduction to Systems module. The Intro to Systems module works best with 8-12 grade students, though can be used with some modifications for 6-7th graders. This Systems are Everywhere module can work well for elementary through secondary grades.

Introduction to the concept of a dynamic system. Includes discussion of system and surroundings and system boundaries. This video is part of the Sustainability Learning Suites, made possible in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation. See 'Learn more about this resource' for Learning Objectives, Assessment, and Activities.

This video explains thermodynamic systems, open and closed systems, and the four key properties of a system. This video is part of the Sustainability Learning Suites, made possible in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation. See 'Learn more about this resource' for Learning Objectives, Assessment, and Activities.

This video looks at the cause of system behavior as being like an iceberg. This idea was proposed by Peter Senge in his book, "The Fifth Discipline" (1990), Doubleday Publishers. This video is part of the Sustainability Learning Suites, made possible in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation. See 'Learn more about this resource' for Learning Objectives, Assessment, and Activities.

This video explains Aristotle's model of causality and how it can be used to gain insight into systemic behavior. Many of the ideas presented in this video have been contributed by Roger Burton. This video is part of the Sustainability Learning Suites, made possible in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation. See 'Learn more about this resource' for Learning Objectives, Assessment, and Activities.

This video, based on ideas of Donella Meadows (Thinking in Systems: A Primer | 2008, Chelsea Green Publishing), describes different types of interventions that are possible in a system and their potential leverage. This video is part of the Sustainability Learning Suites, made possible in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation. See 'Learn more about this resource' for Learning Objectives, Assessment, and Activities.

This is a chart of instructional teaching strategies for use by librarians teaching information literacy. It is aligned with the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for use in higher education classrooms. The examples include flipped, online, and in-person lesson ideas.

Learning organization is one of the most important skills a middle school student can acquire. Here are some useful tips on how you can stay organized.

SYNOPSIS: This lesson introduces the concept of weather to students.

SCIENTIST NOTES: Observing the weather to track changes is an important activity. This lesson allows students to understand the local weather and observe the patterns and their impact on their daily activities and the environment. All materials are suitable techniques for qualitative weather forecasting. On that account, this lesson has passed our scientific credibility process and is recommended for teaching.

POSITIVES:
-This lesson creates a collaborative learning environment for students as they are introduced to weather and its importance.
-This lesson features sensory learning as students use their five senses to make observations about the weather.
-This lesson features excellent vocabulary development.
-This lesson provides an introduction to the relationship between climate and weather.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-You can place a thermometer in an easily accessed outside location (e.g., near the recess area) and check the temperature daily.
-It is necessary to print the weather journal and weather wheel ahead of time.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-You can have students think-pair-share during the read aloud. Students can make predictions or answer questions.
-You can pause the read aloud before the text is read for students to make observations and predictions about the story.
-Groups of students with mixed abilities can collaborate on their weather wheel and their future climate prediction.
-Possible Extension: Work with the school administration to find a way for students to share a daily weather report with the school (e.g., live morning assembly, email blast, TV announcement, etc.).

The term "Earth system science" is typically used to describe the science (especially quantitative modeling) of the interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and cryosphere, and biosphere---the addition of lithosphere to that list provides all of the main generalized components ("spheres") of the Critical Zone.
In this lesson, students will consider basic concepts of system science (studying complex systems), specifically as it can be applied to Critical Zone science. Students will engage in developing a qualitative systems model graphic of the Critical Zone. The knowledge gained here will be applied later in the semester to more in-depth systems thinking of the Critical Zone.

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Unit 1 introduces foundational concepts in geoscience, emergency management, and political science that are critical for developing a systems thinking approach and for achieving the learning objectives in the storm module. More specifically, within Unit 1, students acquire a vocabulary related to storm systems and risk, engage in practical exercises on event probability and frequency, and complete written activities and oral presentations that reinforce these concepts, using their own community and two case studies as examples. The activities include: a pre-and post-Unit survey on natural hazard risk, an optional concept map exercise to identify associations of risk in major storms, an exercise on probability and frequency of natural hazards in general and major storms in particular, an exercise using hazard vulnerability analysis (HVA) and the HVA's findings, and a synthesis assignment that requires analysis of an assigned hazard mitigation plan (HMP) and development of a proposal to improve mitigation plans.

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