Scale Mechanisms in Complex Systems

Thinking Slides: docs.google.com/presentation/d/1M3jRzKQppo8m6T77IQ…
The Wonder of Science: thewonderofscience.com/mlccc27

Thinking in Causation - Level 7 - Scale Mechanisms in Complex Systems
In this video Paul Andersen shows conceptual thinking in a mini-lesson on scale mechanisms within complex systems. Two examples are included in the video and two additional examples are included in the linked thinking slides.

TERMS:
Cause and effect relationships - one event that gives rise to another event
Complex systems - a system composed of multiple interacting components; shows emergence
Scale mechanisms - small processes underlying a complex system

This progression is based on the Crosscutting Concept elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education. "Cause and effect relationships can be suggested and predicted for complex natural and human-designed systems by examining what is known about smaller scale mechanisms within the system."
Source: www.nextgenscience.org/