• I can explain how an event in one country directly impacts economies, environments, or cultures on another continent.
• My system map includes at least 6 distinct nodes, labeled directional arrows, and at least one feedback loop.
• I can identify at least one leverage point where a small change creates a large positive systemic effect.

1. Introduction: The Hook & Frame (10–15 Minutes)

The Hook: "The Avocado Crisis" or "The Sneaker's World Tour"

• Discussion Question: "What is one item in this room right now? Where did it come from, and how many different countries do you think were involved in getting it to this desk?"
• Introduce Key Vocabulary:
  • System: A set of interconnected things working together as parts of a mechanism or interconnecting network.
  • Node: An individual point or entity in a system (e.g., a factory, a farm, a port).
  • Feedback Loop: A process where the output of a system circles back and influences the input (Can be Reinforcing/Positive or Balancing/Negative).
  • Leverage Point: A place in a system where a small intervention can yield major updates across the whole network.

2. Direct Instruction: "I Do" — Systems Demystified (15 Minutes)

Concept Modeling: Mapping the Anatomy of a System

Demonstrate how to draw a system dynamic model using a simple, high-interest example: The Global Fast Fashion Loop.

• Draw a central topic on a board: Cheap Clothing Demand.
• Add nodes with directional arrows showing cause-and-effect:
  • Demand for Cheap Fashion → Increased Garment Production in Bangladesh → Increased Water Consumption & Dye Pollution → Environmental Regulation / Local Crisis.
  • Demand for Cheap Fashion → Fast Shipping Demand → Fuel Consumption → Global Carbon Emissions.
• Model a Reinforcing Feedback Loop: Social media trend → Higher sales → Brands produce faster → More content created → Bigger trend.
• Highlight an Unintended Consequence: A surge in cheap cotton demand causes droughts thousands of miles away from the person wearing the shirt.

3. Guided Practice: "We Do" — The Human Web Simulation (20 Minutes)

Interactive Activity: Web of Connections

• Lay out System Node Cards on the table or floor (e.g., Lithium Mine, Smartphone Designer, Shipping Canal, E-Waste Dump, Consumer, Telecom Tower, Rare Earth Refinery).
• Together with Heidi (or a group of students), use a ball of yarn to physically connect nodes based on relationships. Pass the yarn ball while stating the connection:
  "I am holding Lithium Mine. I pass yarn to Battery Factory because raw lithium is needed to build smartphone batteries."
• Introduce a System Disruption (The "What If?" Scenario):
  "A major geopolitical conflict blocks the main shipping lane, or a drought stops hydroelectric power at the refinery."
• Tug the String: Pull tightly on the node card affected. Ask Heidi to identify which other nodes feel the tension.

  Key Realization: Disruption at a single node creates a ripple effect across non-obvious parts of the network.

4. Independent Application: "You Do" — The System Architect Challenge (30 Minutes)

Task: Heidi takes on the role of a "Global Systems Architect." She will select one real-world global challenge or complex commodity from the options below and build a full System Map on butcher paper or digitally.

Topic Menu (Student Choice):

Requirements for the Map:

• Include at least 8 distinct nodes across at least 3 categories (e.g., Environment, Economy, Technology, Society).
• Draw labeled connection lines showing direction of influence (+ for increases, - for decreases).
• Identify at least 1 Feedback Loop (Positive or Negative).
• Identify 1 Unintended Consequence built into the system.
• Mark 1 Leverage Point with a star where an intervention could fix or improve the system.

5. Conclusion, Presentation & Reflection (10–15 Minutes)

• Architect Pitch (3–5 minutes): Heidi presents her System Map, explaining the interconnected web, the unintended consequence, and her proposed leverage point intervention.
• Debrief Questions:
  • "Why is it dangerous for world leaders or business owners to look at problems in isolation instead of as systems?"
  • "How does changing your perspective to 'systems thinking' change how you view everyday items or news headlines?"
• Wrap-Up Recap: Review the core summary: Global systems are complex webs where everything is linked; solving complex modern problems requires finding systemic leverage points, not just quick patches.

Formative Assessment (During Lesson)

Check for understanding during the yarn string activity by asking Heidi to predict how a shock to Node A impacts Node E. Adjust explanations if feedback loops or cause-and-effect connections are confused.

Summative Assessment (System Architecture Map Pitch)