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Objective: To introduce the concept of ecological modeling and apply this to identifying different causes of the chosen focus issue. To identify the 3-5 most important causes of the chosen issue. To define "independent" and "dependent" variables.
"Today we are looking at the causes of our issue, X. In order to figure out how to change or improve something, we need to discover first what is causing the problem. "
Warm-Up: Growth Circle (5-10 minutes)
Engage: But Why? (15 minutes)
Core Activity: Ecological Modeling (45 minutes)
Extension: Horizontal Modeling
WARM UP: Growth Circle (5-10 minutes)
Materials: Three large concentric circles on the ground - use rope, webbing, tape, chalk paint - anything!
- Tell the group the circles represent how you feel about something. “If you feel uncomfortable, stand in the outer circle. If feel so-so about it, stand in the second circle. If you feel completely comfortable with it, stand in the inner circle.”
- You can use this activity to debrief any of the preceding lessons and explore how students are feeling so far about their YPAR project. Some examples:
- How are you feeling about the focus issue that we have chosen?
- How much do you understand what causes this issue?
- How do you feel about conducting research?
- How do you feel about working in a group?
- Point out that these circles can help show when we are ready to learn something.
- You will not learn when you are in the outer circle, because you are too freaked out.
- You will not learn anything when you are in the inner circle, because you are already completely comfortable.
- You learn best when you are in the middle circle where you don’t really know how to do something, but are not too scared to try.
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