The world is a set of inter-related systems, collections of parts that interact and create a larger pattern of behavior. Examples of such systems include farms, a nation’s energy grid, and global climate. Being able to describe how systems work is the first step to identifying how to influence their behavior, either to improve their performance (such as increase food production) or minimize their failures (such as decrease water pollution). In this practicum, students will learn the fundamentals of systems thinking and apply their skills in analyzing specific problems, and proposing solutions.