Permaculture, transition and resilience puzzle

Method Details:

  • Name of Method: Permaculture, Transition, and Resilience Puzzle
  • Author: María Vela y José Campoy
  • Author's Email: info [at] ecoherencia [dot] es
  • Tags: Permaculture, transition, resilience, ecosystem, urban system, peak oil, cycle, global warming, resources, lifestyle
  • Values Style: Ice breaker

Resources Needed:

  • Explanation: 4 puzzles (Global warming, ecosystem cycle, input and output of resources in urban landscapes)

Context:

  • At the beginning of an introductory course or PDC, once the students know each other and mainly right before suggesting a vision/dream of our future.
  • It can also be used as an icebreaker in any gathering or event related to the puzzle topics.

Content:

  • Used to make links between the concepts of cycle, ecosystem, urban system, and global warming.
  • Can be used to help groups find connections between different topics.

Participants:

  • Minimum: 10
  • Maximum: 30

Duration:

  • Minimum: 60 minutes
  • Maximum: 120 minutes

Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will be able to find links between lifestyle, reliance on cheap oil, and global warming.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of cyclical and non-cyclical systems.
  • Understand the concepts of resilience, climate change, ecosystem, and urban system.
  • Accept reliance on others (nature resources, community).
  • Consider permaculture and transition as responses to the current environmental crisis.

How to Use:

  1. Divide students into 4 groups.
  2. Each group receives 1/4 of the puzzle pieces from different puzzles.
  3. Students manage resources in silence and think about their actions.
  4. Students are encouraged to exchange pieces to complete puzzles.
  5. Discussion follows to share feelings and conclusions.
  6. Talk about the 4 images, their links, similarities, and differences.
  7. Introduce permaculture and transition initiatives.
  8. Reinforce the idea of sharing skills central to permaculture and transition.
  9. Be aware of and manage any catastrophism during discussions.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Realization of resource limitations and the need for cooperation.
  • Movement towards puzzle completion through resource sharing.
  • Rich discussion on nature’s continuous cycle and lifestyle differences.
  • Introduction to permaculture and transition as alternatives to current living models.

Facilitation Tips:

  • Create a positive environment.
  • Manage discussions on catastrophism positively.

Feedback:

Preparation:

  • Ensure all materials and puzzle pieces are ready.