Cyclic Patterns of Change

1. Cyclic Patterns of Change

2. Brainstorming *What words come to mind when you think of cycles? *How are cycles a type of change? *What kinds of changes happen in cyclic patterns? *How do you know when a cycle is happening?

3. Categorizing *How could you categorize these ideas into groups? *What could you call each group? Why? *Are there some ideas that fall into more than one group? Are there any ideas that don’t fall into any of your groups? *Is there a different way to categorize your ideas? What other categories might you use?

4. Brainstorming *What are some changes or events that do not happen in cycles, or patterns that are not cyclic? *What evidence or proof do you have that these are not cyclic changes? *Can you group your ideas? What do you call each group? Why? How are these groups different from your groups of changes that are cyclic? *Are the following examples of cyclic changes or patterns: progression through school, circles, human growth? Why or why not?

5. Generalizations A generalization is something that is always or almost always true. What can you say about cyclic patterns of change that is usually true? Use your examples and categories to guide your thinking, and write several statements that are generalizations about cycles.

6. Generalizations The end of a cycle causes the cycle to begin again; a cycle may appear to have no beginning or end. How can you tell if an end causes a beginning to happen? Is it always possible to decide where a cycle “begins” and “ends”?

7. Generalizations Cycles may be constructive, destructive, or neutral. Give an example of each kind of cycle. Who decides whether a cycle is good or bad? Does point of view play a role in how a cycle is perceived?

8. Generalizations Cycles may be broken. What does it take to break a cycle? Can all the cycles you have listed be broken? Which do you think would be hardest to break? Once a cycle is broken, can it be restarted?

9. Generalizations Cycles may be added to or diminished as they continue to repeat, forming spirals. Which cycles on your lists change each time they occur? Are these changes sudden or gradual? Are spirals positive or negative?

10. Generalizations Cycles may occur naturally or be imposed by human behavior or understanding. What are some cycles that are caused by people? Do we ever change natural cycles? Which cycles that we have created depend on natural cycles for meaning?

11. Generalizations As repeating patterns, cycles provide structure for our passage through time. How do you use cycles to help you plan for the future? If those cycles change, would your plans change?