Lesson Plan: Understanding the Universal Systems Model

Grade Level: Middle School

Objective: Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the Universal Systems Model by identifying the components of the model and applying it to real-world examples.

Materials: - Universal Systems Model graphic organizer worksheet - Video: “Introduction to Systems Thinking” by The Systems Thinker - Video: “Systems Thinking: What is it?” by The Systems Thinker - Video: “Systems Thinking: The Fifth Discipline” by The Systems Thinker

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes) - Begin by asking students if they have ever heard of the Universal Systems Model. If they have, ask them to explain what it is. If they haven’t, explain that it is a model used to understand how different parts of a system work together. - Show the class the Universal Systems Model graphic organizer worksheet and explain that they will be using it to learn about the different components of the model.

2. Watch Videos (30 minutes) - Show the class the three videos listed above, pausing after each one to ask students if they have any questions or if they need any clarification. - After watching the videos, ask students to share what they learned about the Universal Systems Model. Write their responses on the board.

3. Apply the Model (30 minutes) - Divide the class into small groups and give each group a real-world example of a system (e.g. a school, a city, a sports team). - Have each group use the Universal Systems Model graphic organizer worksheet to identify the different components of the system (inputs, processes, outputs, feedback, and environment). - After each group has completed their worksheet, have them share their findings with the class.

4. Conclusion (10 minutes) - Ask students to reflect on what they learned about the Universal Systems Model and how it can be applied to real-world situations. - Collect the completed Universal Systems Model graphic organizer worksheets for assessment.

Assessment: - The completed Universal Systems Model graphic organizer worksheets will be assessed for accuracy and understanding of the model’s components.

Resources: - Universal Systems Model graphic organizer worksheet: https://www.teachengineering.org/content/dam/teachengineering/en/activities/TEEG_lesson2_worksheet.pdf - Video: “Introduction to Systems Thinking” by The Systems Thinker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfIgzSoTMOs - Video: “Systems Thinking: What is it?” by The Systems Thinker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfIgzSoTMOs - Video: “Systems Thinking: The Fifth Discipline” by The Systems Thinker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfIgzSoTMOs