Playing with Systems

Project Summary

What is systems thinking?

Illustration of 14 habits of a systems thinker

Systems thinking is an approach to problem solving and understanding the world. It includes the ability to...

Analyze problems within broader contexts
Consider multiple cause-and-effect relationships
Understand that near-term actions have long-term consequences and possible side effects
Conceptualize the nature of change over time

Practicing systems thinking habits can change the way you see the world and influence the actions or decisions you make. We created this project that leverages 1) the 14 habits of a systems thinker card set from the Waters Center for Systems Thinking and 2) the Loopy tool created by Nicky Case to help teachers and students explore some personally meaningful ways to develop systems thinking skills.

Middle School

High School

Classroom Instruction

After-School Instruction

At-Home Instruction

Technology

Simulation

Tool

Lesson

Systems Thinking

Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Use this Resource with...

LOOPY: A Digital Tool for Thinking in Systems

LOOPY is a tool for thinking in systems created by Nicky Case. It allows you to quickly sketch system components (as circles) and their interactions (as arrows) and press play to simulate how a system behaves. In no time at all, you will be experimenting with negative and positive feedback loops, testing predictions, and, most importantly, having fun playing with your system creations.
Materials
- LOOPY: A tool for thinking in systems
Loopy - Video Tutorial

This 4-minute video tutorial introduces the basics of getting started with the LOOPY tool for modeling systems. This tutorial is targeted at students in grades 6 and up and can be used with undergraduate students or the general public.
Materials
- Loopy Tutorial video - middle school and up
14 Habits of a Systems Thinker - Card Set

Practicing systems thinking habits can change the way you see the world and influence the actions or decisions you make. This card set from the Water Center for Systems Thinking introduces 14 habits of a systems thinker that you can start practicing today!
Materials
- 14 Habits of a Systems Thinker card set - PDF
- 14 Habits of a Systems Thinker card set - Interactive
Systems Thinking for Resilience - Digital Lesson

Looking for a way to get started with the LOOPY tool? The Systems Thinking for Resilience learning module will provide a 10-minute video introduce to systems thinking and a quick LOOPY tutorial to help you start modeling a system that is personally meaningful to you. Participants will be asked to engage in reflective practice as they create a system model that answers the question, "How has 2020 changed you and what actions can you take to build or maintain resilience during uncertain times?".
Materials

What is systems thinking?

LOOPY: A Digital Tool for Thinking in Systems

Loopy - Video Tutorial

14 Habits of a Systems Thinker - Card Set

Systems Thinking for Resilience - Digital Lesson