Abstract for: Primary School Applications of Systems Thinking in Turkey from 2014 to 2020

Main purpose of the activities is to increase the systems thinking capacity of primary school students. Instead of developing a new curriculum, enrichment of current curriculums with systems thinking approach is preferred. We want to share our experiences in using systems thinking tools in primary school level and give some examples of activity plans adopted to curriculum of Ministry of National Education (MoNE) or Primary Years Program (PYP) of International Baccalaureate. It is argued that systems thinking should not be taught as a separate subject but as a common thread running through all subjects. Besides, the curriculum of MoNE is compulsory. We see system dynamics as the foundation under systems thinking and use simplified versions of system dynamics tools. Activity plans were developed and implemented by experienced teachers. After implementation, updates were done and made available to public access by publishing on the web site. Results are discussed in yearly organized experience sharing symposiums. Subjects of activities ranges from mathematics to life sciences including Turkish and foreign languages. Though much effort is needed for coordination and integration, curriculum enrichment strategy seems like a viable option for infusing systems thinking approach into education systems.