As I continue my own professional learning about Systems Thinking (see a recent systems post HERE) I have had multiple people steer me towards the Waters Foundation site. This is an excellent resource on systems that goes beyond systems as a cross-cutting science concept but extends systems thinking to how we consider classroom instruction and school reform. The mission statement of the site states:
Our mission is to increase the capacity of educators to deliver student academic and lifetime benefits through the effective application of systems thinking concepts, habits, and tools in classroom instruction and school improvement.
Useful resources on the Waters Foundation site include (free registration is required to access some of the tools):
- System tool templates
- Links to multiple articles and materials (great list)
- a vocabulary tool that defines common systems terms
- Habits of a systems thinker– this is a clear and concise poster of 13
habits - Using systems thinking– a list of guiding questions for considering the importance of systems
- Children’s Literature– an extensive list of popular authentic children’s literature and how the books connect to systems thinking
- Classroom lessons for multiple content areas
- Student work examples from K-12
Great post, Kirk. I use the Waters Foundation material a LOT–both for K-12 students and adults interested in better understanding how systems work.
Anyone intrigued by the Waters Foundation material may be interested in an upcoming webinar by Waters Foundation staff. It’s not science-specific, but promises to give a great overview of systems thinking in schools by two top-notch educators.
Creating a Snowball Effect: Increasing Thinking, Engagement, and Achievement in Schools through Systems Thinking
with Tracy Benson and Sheri Marlin
Thursday, June 9, 2:00-3:30 pm ET|
For more info and to register, go to: http://eventcallregistration.com/reg/index.jsp?cid=23180t11
thanks for sharing the information on the webinar.. I will promote this on other channels as well 🙂
Look at Diana Fisher’s work, the Creative Learning Exchange, the System Dynamics Society at MIT. The Waters Foundation has very good material.