Focusing on Function: Thinking Below the Surface of Complex Natural Systems

• Published in: Science scope (Washington, D.C.) Vol. 31; no. 9; pp. 27 - 35
• Main Authors: Hmelo-Silver, Cindy E., Jordan, Rebecca, Liu, Lei, Gray, Steven, Demeter, Marylee, Rugaber, Spencer, Vattam, Swaroop, Goel, Ashok
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon National Science Teachers Association 01-07-2008; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Ammonia; Aquarium fishes; Aquariums (Tanks); Bacteria; Classroom management; Complex systems; Curricula; Ecology; Ecosystem models; Ecosystems; Educational aspects; Evaluation; Fish; Middle School Students; Middle Schools; Modeling; Questioning Techniques; Recreational Facilities; Sciences education; Simulation; Simulations; Study and teaching; Systems Approach; Teaching Methods; Thinking Skills; Water tanks; United States
• ISSN: 0887-2376; 1943-4901
• DOI: 10.2505/3/ss08_031_09

Structure-Behavior-Function (SBF) thinking considers the different levels of a system in terms of structures, behaviors, and functions, and how these are interconnected (Goel et al. 1996). This article presents an example of helping middle school students use SBF thinking to learn about ecosystems using an aquarium. Students can use an aquarium as a model for natural systems and through the use of questions and simulations--students can use SBF thinking to develop their systems understanding. (Contains 6 figures and 2 online resources.)