Enduring Understandings and Essential Questions

Systems Thinking

• A system is a set of specifically organized, interdependent parts which serve a purpose.
• Systems serve specific purposes within larger systems.
• Understanding the behavior of one system creates a framework to understand other systems.
• Systems thinkers use particular vocabulary and tools.
• Systems thinkers seek to understand, analyze and predict the short-term and long-term impacts of patterns and events (Behavior Over Time).
• The real world often operates in circular causality, not just cause and effect. (Feedback)

Change

• Change is inevitable.
• There are different types of change.
• Systems seek stability.
• Change in one system causes change in another system. 
• Designing effective change requires understanding of systems thinking.

Essential Questions
What is a system?
How can I use Systems Thinking to create change, predict or solve a problem?
How does change in one system affect another system?
How do I know what needs to be changed?
How do I manage the unintended consequences that arise from the solution I find?
How do I make and explain personal, topical, and conceptual connections to enrich understanding?

Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Knowledge

• Becoming knowledgeable about yourself and others gives you the power to make choices and decisions about personal actions.
• Collaboration, communication, and contribution are necessary in order to be an effective self-advocate, learner and citizen.

Essential Questions
Who am I?
How do I learn?
How am I a system?
How do I fit into a system?

Presenting and Producing

• To communicate a message, it must be received.
• Presenting your knowledge in organized, insightful, and engaging ways purposefully informs and educates your audience.

Essential Questions
How can I communicate my ideas and knowledge in an organized and engaging way?
How do I know if my message is received?

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