Consider these topics… How King George’s need to pay-off the French and Indian War debt led to destabilization of the American colonies and eventual American Revolutionary War. How efforts to boost an economy subsequently impacts ecology. How changes in seasonal weather patterns triggers changes in the plant life cycle Each reflects a tension with various variables contributing to the tension; as the tension increased, a reaction resulted in some form of change…. the change in status subsequently created new tensions. This tension/reaction pattern can be visually depicted on a “phenomena map.” 16

The Tension/Reaction phenomena map 16

The Tension/Reaction map Begin by identifying a critical topic 16

Identify various sources of tension that impact the topic The Tension/Reaction map 16

Consider if there is a “pivotal event” that acts as the “straw that breaks the camel’s back” Kicks the tension into a reaction The Tension/Reaction map 16

Identify the reactions to the tension 16

Note changes that occurred as a result of the reactions 16

Identify new “spin-off” tensions created as a result of the changes

Determine the “BIG IDEA” 16

3 categories of “Tensions” –Needs –Conflicts –Issues 4 common areas tensions are manifested in each category –Biological –Psychological –Sociological –Political 16

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