I hope you enjoyed the yarn game. I also see that after this activity, you are getting more of an understanding of how all the world's issues are interconnected. Think about the following and be sure to post your reply here.

The interconnectedness of issues can often be the first step in solving problems. Interconnectedness is an important and key concept in “systems thinking”—a holistic way of thinking that takes into account the connections, interactions, and processes that link different elements together and form a complete “system”. By understanding that issues are interconnected, we can begin to see when and where we can intervene in a system to make change.

• Why else might it be helpful to understand how and why global issues are interconnected?
• How can understanding the interconnectedness of global issues help us find solutions to the problems surrounding these issues?
• How would life be different for you if you were affected by any of the problems we have discussed?• What are some examples of places we could intervene in a system and maximize positive connections between various issues? Identify not only where or when one could intervene in a system but how an individual’s actions can “snowball” – i.e. trigger other reactions in the system that build upon and sustain the positive effects of the original action. What kind of small action might snowball into a large result? How can small changes replicate and multiply to produce widespread and lasting change?

Ms. B

Global Issues Game Essential Questions

DUE FRIDAY 11/16/07

Hi kids:


As a follow-up to our class activity, I would like you all to answer the following questions based on the facts that were shared today.


1- What do you think are the most surprising
and/or shocking facts?
2- Discuss how the issues raised in the game
are connected to each other.
3- What issue(s) interest you the most and what
would you like to learn more about?

As a reminder here are some of the facts we covered:

The current human population of the world is 6.6 Billion.

The world’s human population in 1960 was 3 Billion.

The first to fourth most populous countries in the world are China, India, United States, and
Indonesia.

The world population is growing by about 80 million per year.

Roughly 40% of the world’s people live on $2 a day or less.

Roughly 20% of the world’s people live on $1 a day or less.

Because of urban sprawl in the United States, an area the size of Delaware is paved over each year.

In 1950, the average life expectancy worldwide was 49.

In 2000, the average life expectancy worldwide was 65.

Ms. B