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International Systems Science Learning Project (Two Semesters)

Today’s world is undeniably more complex and more interconnected than ever before. Some of the greatest challenges facing global communities today relate to energy sources, natural resource preservation, disease, and climate change; these interconnected global systems will require greater understanding and attention in the 21st century. Fortunately, several mathematical and computational tools now enable scientists, businesses, policy-makers and engineers to gain insight into how both natural and man-made complex systems work, as well as how to interface with them in desirable ways. This emergent, interdisciplinary field is referred to as systems science.

The International Systems Science Learning Project at Vermont Commons School is a unique field-based program providing students in grades 7-12 with a rare opportunity to learn about systems theory and complexity science while collaborating with international students from China and other countries, including India and South America. Students learn to apply introductory non-linear math skills and dynamic computer modeling tools to real world issues, such as resource conservation and climate change.

Throughout the year, students in this course develop the ability to describe, understand, analyze, communicate and interact with their international counterparts from a systems perspective, improving collaboration skills and empathy, or “systems citizenship.” This course also introduces students to many systems science forms, including adaptive systems, artificial neural networks, agent-based modeling and system dynamics.

Collaboration with China: 2006-2009

China is facing significant system-level problems, and its education policy-makers realize that introducing a systems perspective in the secondary school level is essential to preparing students for the future. Vermont Commons School has partnered with the Chinese education leaders from Jiangsu Province who are reforming education guidelines to include systems perspective training, particularly in the area of system dynamics.

Students collaborating with Chinese students from 2006-2009 will improve science, technology, introductory engineering and mathematics skill application and learn to think systemically and dynamically; map the structure of complex systems; use STELLA and other software for modeling and simulating complex systems; implement systems thinking and modeling with their international teammates; and apply lessons learned in team presentations to local and international corporate and government ‘stakeholders’. Vermont Commons School hosted its first student-teacher delegation from Nanjing, China in May 2007 and expects to send students from Vermont Commons School to China by 2009.

The Vermont Commons School faculty is also working to expand this program nationwide with the help of a developing consortium of Project Partners, including isee systems, inc., Pontifex Consulting, and the Creative Learning Exchange.

VCS faculty involved in this project includes Peter Goff, Robert Skiff, Jr., and Piper Stover.

Access the Systems Science Learning Project Space: https://sslp.wikispaces.com/System+Science+Learning+Project