Lesson 7 Part 2 - Making a System Model

The area within the string can be a jumping-off point for beginning to think about ecosystem modeling. Systems thinking can help students explain their observations or make nuanced predictions about what might happen in a given area if conditions change. All system models have boundaries that define what is inside and outside the system. Practicing making a system with the string as a boundary will prepare students to apply systems thinking in other contexts.
In Part 2 of this lesson, students will convert the objects in their diagram to a system model, using words, pictures, and arrows to identify boundaries, system components, and the inputs and outputs of the system. Then they will hypothesize what would happen if conditions changed.