Ramp Center Kit

Some of the purposes of introducing Systems Thinking to young children are to teach them about changes that occur over time, help them to examine variables, and recognize interdependencies. At Kodo, we believe that learning should be supported through hands-on experience and that educators need effective tools to help children reach their learning outcomes and objectives. The Ramp Center Kit was designed with this in mind - offering adults a way to intentionally introduce systems thinking concepts naturally, with tools young children love. From The Kodo Classroom: Setting up a Ramp Learning Center near or in combination with your block play area is best for inspiring complex structures. Help children plan, make, and improve on their systems with intention, keeping mindful of not using too much interruption or formal instruction. Vary your routine to provide lengthy investigation time over several days, weeks, or months. Help children document and catalog their discoveries, including notes on their goals, what worked, what didn’t, and changes made to each iteration or design. This information can be used to chart, graph, and analyze the data collected during their process. Engineering and Physics Vocabulary; Momentum, motion, energy, ramp, inclined plane, slope, elevation, machine, contraption, chain reaction, cause, failure point, data, analysis, system, structure, foundation, stability, reliability, continuity, connection, goal, result, outcome Open-Ended Questions Adults Can Ask Children:

• What do you want to have happen?
• What are some ways you think it might work?
• What are some of the materials you will need?
• What properties do the materials have?
• How will you know when it works?
• How will you plan, make a drawing, discuss it with your group, or use a picture or book for an idea?
• When x happened, y happened. Why is that?
• Is there something that is failing and needs improving?
• What could you add ( or remove) from this to help you reach your goal?
• Has your goal changed? What is your new goal?
• What have you discovered?

Suggested Books to Support Systems Thinking:

• Because a Little Bug Went Kachoo by Rosetta Stone (really Dr. Seuss)
• Going Places by Paul H. Reynolds
• Ruby Goldberg’s Bright Idea by Anna Humphrey
• What Is A Pulley by Lloyd G. Douglas
• Henry Ford: Big Wheel in the Auto Industry by Mike Venezia
• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
• What Do You Do With An Idea by Kobi Yamada