Abstract
All the manufactured objects that surround us are the products of a complex set of interacting systems. These diverse, interconnected systems need to be examined if we are to redesign them to maximize the triple bottom line of environment, equity, and economics. The activity in this chapter engages students in collaboratively constructing a concept map depicting the connections among many of the natural and human systems involved and resources used in the production of a common toy, a plastic dinosaur. After completing the activity, students should be able to (1) describe the interacting and overlapping systems involved in our manufacturing systems; (2) trace the paths of materials, energy, and people in those systems; and (3) approach new problems using critical systems thinking.
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References
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Acknowledgments
This activity was developed with the inspiration of Ralph Copleman, Executive Director of Sustainable Lawrence from 2006 to 2011.
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Hyatt, L.A. (2016). An Introduction to Systems Thinking Using Plastic Dinosaurs. In: Byrne, L. (eds) Learner-Centered Teaching Activities for Environmental and Sustainability Studies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28543-6_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28543-6_3
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Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
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Online ISBN: 978-3-319-28543-6
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