Theme

Ecosystems, Interconnection, Systems Thinking

Activity Duration

1.5 hours

Group Size

6–20 participants

Objectives

•  Embody ecological roles to explore natural interdependence
• Understand how systems respond to change and stress
• Cultivate empathy and insight into nature’s web of life

Description

Everything in nature is connected — and this activity brings that truth to
life. In permaculture, we use the metaphor of a living system to understand
how ecosystems function. Nothing exists in isolation. Every plant, animal,
fungus, microbe, and human plays a part in the ow of energy and
nutrients.
This participatory activity uses role play to help youth embody and
explore the interconnected relationships within ecosystems. Each
participant represents an element of the natural world: a tree, the sun, a
worm, a river, a human, a pollinator. Through guided interaction,
participants explore how energy moves through the system and how
change or disruption a ects everyone.
Role play is a powerful tool because it engages empathy, creativity, and
critical thinking. It encourages youth to think beyond themselves, see from
other perspectives, and understand the fragility and resilience of natural
systems. This is an ideal activity for outdoors or a spacious indoor area
where movement and expression are encouraged.
As a facilitator, you guide the process and prompt connections,
disruptions, and solutions. Let youth lead with imagination. You may be
surprised at the deep insights they uncover.

Materials/Tools

– WS7.1 Living Systems Role Cards (1 per participant)
– Ball of string or yarn (for web activity)
– Clipboards and pens (optional for reflection)
– Natural elements or costumes (optional props)
– Open space (indoors or outdoors) for role interaction

Space (indoor, outdoor,
settings…)

Spacious indoor room or at outdoor ground
- Circle setup preferred for
visual and movement connection

Structures/steps (timing)

1. Intro Circle – Ask: “What is a system?” and introduce nature’s web idea.
(10 mins)
2. Role Assignment – Hand out WS7.1 cards, invite participants to read and
embody the character. (5 mins)
3. Round 1 Interaction – Each character introduces themselves: needs, gifts,
connections. (15 mins)
4. Web Creation – Using yarn, build a physical web of who connects with
whom and how. (10 mins)
5. System Shifts – Simulate disruptions (e.g., loss of pollinator) and reflect
on changes. (15 mins)
6. Free Improv – Invite spontaneous movement and dialogue: what would
help the system recover? (15 mins)
7. Reflection Circle – What did you learn about systems? What role felt
most powerful or vulnerable? (10 mins)

Evaluation System/Tools

– Participation in role playing and contribution to the web
– Ability to identify interdependencies and articulate them
– Reflections shared during debrief circle
– Optional written reflection or drawing about their character and role

This activity can connect to:

Permaculture Principles Challenge