Reflection: Multiple Sources in Systems Diagrams

This activity is intended for use in a middle school science course. Materials presented here are designed to be implemented in a remote learning environment, either as part of an entirely online or hybrid course.

Students use this activity to reflect on the sources of information that they used to model a system, so students must have completed a diagram or model of a system prior to completing this activity.

This activity can be adapted and used as a reflection on any kind of writing or diagraming activity that required students to draw from variou sources to answer a question. Students can complete the reflection independently or an in class reflection and discussion setting (see teaching notes). This reflection is designed to be completed as a reflection on Activity 3 and introduction to Activity 6. However, this activity could act as a reflection on any of the systems diagram activities (Activities 3, 6, or 12). Activities 3, 6, and 12 all employ diagrams created from multiple sources of information.

• Students will reflect on the different sources of information they used to create a systems diagram.
• Students will reflect on the importance of using different sources of information to create a systems diagram.
• Students will reflect on the limitations of their understanding of a system and brainstorm what sources could improve their understanding.

Materials:

• Zoom meeting or other online platform (with breakout groups enabled)
• Activity 4 Google Drive Folder
  • Instructor Guide Activity 4
    • Make a single copy for Instructor use
  • Multiple Sources in Systems Diagrams Powerpoint
    • Make a single copy for Instructor use
  • Student Handout Activity 4
    • Give students access to their own copies to fill out individually
  • Answer Key Student Handout Activity 4
    • Make a single copy for Instructor use
• Students' Systems Diagrams
  • Students should retrieve these physically or from memory from a previous class activity
  • These systems diagrams can come from activities 3, 6, or 12 or an outside systems diagramming activity

Activity Description (total time: 25 min)

Part 1 - Reflection on the sources of information used to create a systems diagram(15 min)

The instructor screen shares the Multiple Sources in Systems Diagram Powerpoint.

Slide 1: The instructor asks students to create their own copy of the Student Handout Activity 4.

Slide 2: The instructor asks students to complete the handout Question 1 individually (3 min).

• Handout Question 1: What sources of information did you use in your systems diagram?

Slide 3: After 3 minutes, the instructor asks students to share their answers with the class. Students should continue to add to their Question 1 responses as other students bring up sources that also apply to them (3 min).

Slide 4: The instructor then provides students with 4 minutes to complete Handout Question 2.

• Handout Question 2 - Do you think multiple sources of information are necessary to create a comprehensive systems diagram?

Slide 5: Again, after 3 minutes, the instructor asks students to share their responses with the class. Students should continue to add to their Question 2 explanations as other students bring up ideas that are new to them.

Part 2 - Reflection on limitations of knowledge and ways to resolve those limitations(5 - 10 min)

Slide 6: The instructor then provides students with 4 minutes to complete Handout Questions 3 and 4.

• Handout Question 3: List element(s) of the system you still want to know more about so that you can make an even more comprehensive diagram.
  • This question will allow the instructor to understand which elements of the earth system or systems thinking students are still struggling with.
• Handout Question 4: Brainstorm where you might find more information on the elements(s) you listed above (types of people, books, internet, etc.).

Slide 7: The instructor provides students with 5 more minutes (or overnight) to finish their responses and turn in their handouts.

Optional: Part 3 - Connect predictions to the next systems diagram activity(1 min)

Slide 8: Keep these questions in mind as we build our next systems diagram...

• Now students are consciously thinking about the different sources they use to make systems diagrams. Draw a connection to Activity 5, or the next systems diagram activity the students will complete.

The instructor can follow the instructions above to complete this reflection activity in class, or simply assign the student handout for students to complete as a homework assignment.

Answer Key Student Handout Activity 4

This systems thinking module is based on the undergraduate Systems Thinking module on InTeGrate, created by Lisa A. Gilbert, Deborah S. Gross & Karl J. Kreutz. This rates and quantities experiment relates to Unit 1: Introduction to Systems Thinking: What is a System and Unit 5: Analyzing Complexity.

Systems Thinking Vocabulary Glossary

Why reflect on sources of information in Middle School?

"Appendix F - Science and Engineering Practices in the NGSS." 2013. Next Generation Science Standards. https://www.nextgenscience.org/sites/default/files/resource/files/Appendix%20F%20%20Science%20and%20Engineering%20Practices%20in%20the%20NGSS%20-%20FINAL%20060513.pdf

Learn more about teaching systems thinking:

• Q Design Pack Systems Thinking. Institute of Play. http://educators.brainpop.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IOP_QDesignPack_SystemsThinking_1.0.pdf
• Mambrey, Sophia, Justin Timm, Jana Julia Landskron, and Philipp Schmiemann. 2020. "The Impact of System Specifics on Systems Thinking." Journal of Research in Science Teaching, July, tea.21649. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21649

Learn more about systems thinking:

• Meadows, Donella H., and Diana Wright. 2008. Thinking in Systems: A Primer. White River Junction, Vt: Chelsea Green Pub. https://wtf.tw/ref/meadows.pdf