"Systems thinking is a discipline for seeing wholes. It is a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeing patterns of change rather than static snapshots. It is a set of general principles- distilled over the course of the twentieth century, spanning fields as diverse as the physical and social sciences, engineering, and management. ...During the last thirty years, these tools have been applied to understand a wide range of corporate, urban, regional, economic, political, ecological, and even psychological systems. And systems thinking is a sensibility- for the subtle interconnectedness that gives living systems their unique character."

- Peter Senge
The Fifth Discipline

 

A major news organization has expressed an interest in newstories on the state of our earthy ecosystems written by and for kids. They are willing to publish and promote "scholarly" reports, press conferences or original songs or raps that explain the current state of our worldly biomes. The catch is the "scholarly" part. Not looking for the"politically correct" take on our natural world nor a childlike recitation of facts, they are interested in a view based on the above "Systems Theory," that is, the "subtle interconnectedness" and interactions between the biomes. To be published by this news organization, your job will be to research, discuss, evaluate and construct your own theories about the ecosystems and then present those ideas in your choice of 3 products.

Task 1: Biome Basics

Students will research 4 Biomes (Frozen/Non Frozen Deserts, Grasslands, Rainforests, and Salt/Fresh Water), entering and editing basic information into a Wiki. They will also develop a scavenger hunt for use by the collaborative class or the other 5th grade classes.

Task 2: Scientist Overviews

Students will take on the perspective of 1 of 5 different scientists to review the information gathered for accuracy, looking for answers to these essential questions:

• In what ways are the biomes similar?
• In what ways are living organisms and their environment interdependent?
• In what ways are environments affected by change over time?
• What consequences are there for failing to adapt to environment changes?

Through collaboration with their partner Alpha class, they will construct their own theories and answers to the above questions and present them in an original way on their scientist wiki. For times when the investigators are stumped or need guidance in addition to their instructor, they can use the "Ask the Expert Blog."

Task 3: Biome Investigators

As biome investigators, students will be applying what they have learned through their own initiative to find solutions related to an identified "real world" problem or issue of significance to them. Their technology-based final product will provide a seamless communication of knowledge acquired, analyzed, and innovatively presented.

Products may be/include:

Newsreport
Press Conference Report
Biome Conference Speech
Editorial
Original Rap or Song
Original, Unique Product (Please have approved by your instructor)

Process

Congratulations! You have just helped your Earth by finding a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between the ecosystems and their systems, cycles and inhabitants. Because the very existence of our planet depends upon the knowledge and actions of its inhabitants, the more you understand about its workings, the more likely you are to help in needed solutions to environmental issues.

Resources