My students have been looking at plastic use over the past few weeks. We used some systems thinking protocols I learned from Compass Education. Mainly we used VISIS (Vision, Indicators, Systems, Innovation, Strategy).
Our vision was to have the world use less plastic and we connected to the sustainability goals. Then, we started to brainstorm the various indicators that exist today concerning plastic use, using the compass points to ensure we had a big picture view.
These indicators were then used to create a series of BOTG (Behaviour Over Time Graphs). The students split into two groups to make a series of these graphs on post - its. They then put the post-its on the chart paper and began finding connections - moving post-its around, drawing arrows with + (positive correlation) or - (negative correlation). We then discussed feedback loops and the need for balance to make things sustainable. The students used markers to highlight feedback loops in their causal diagrams and made observations on their sustainability (or lack there of, for most cases!) The making of the causal diagrams provided much discussion into the systems in place at the moment that are creating a surreal amount of plastic use. It lead them naturally into the steps of innovative ideas to impact the systems and feedback loops.
They have now come up with some ways to help spread awareness and take action:
Next Steps.... Strategies to get these ideas into action.
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| Our Google Drawing - Showing our vision and indicators. |
Our vision was to have the world use less plastic and we connected to the sustainability goals. Then, we started to brainstorm the various indicators that exist today concerning plastic use, using the compass points to ensure we had a big picture view.
These indicators were then used to create a series of BOTG (Behaviour Over Time Graphs). The students split into two groups to make a series of these graphs on post - its. They then put the post-its on the chart paper and began finding connections - moving post-its around, drawing arrows with + (positive correlation) or - (negative correlation). We then discussed feedback loops and the need for balance to make things sustainable. The students used markers to highlight feedback loops in their causal diagrams and made observations on their sustainability (or lack there of, for most cases!) The making of the causal diagrams provided much discussion into the systems in place at the moment that are creating a surreal amount of plastic use. It lead them naturally into the steps of innovative ideas to impact the systems and feedback loops.
They have now come up with some ways to help spread awareness and take action:
Ideas to Make a Change
- Awareness
- Make a book or website about plastic
- Events to build awareness
- Talk to places (make presentation) that use plastic and educate them (restaurants, schools, etc.) - make a sign to put in the stores, etc.
- Contact UN to make an announcement
- Make advertisements
- Build a giant side out of plastic water bottles to say stop using plastic (collect plastic waste)
- Encourage our parents to spread the word
- Make a documentary
- Social Media
- Action
- Make a biodegradable substitute for plastic
- Trip to the beach for plastic waste collection/data information
- Make things out of old plastic (umbrella, bags, toys, maths tools, balloons, trash cans, plant pots, etc.)
Next Steps.... Strategies to get these ideas into action.
