Iceberg Systems Analysis Template

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The iceberg model is one of the most powerful and widely used systems thinking tools. It is used to identify underlying causes of events and patterns of events. It creates a visual representation of the relationship between events, trends and patterns, system structure and mental models.

This template introduces the iceberg model and is especially helpful when confronting chronic problems that have not been solved. It can also be used to help understand and learn from adverse events.

Instructions for facilitating a discussion using the iceberg model are provided as well as a reflection to assess learning and identify key take-aways.

Erin Ingram

Community Engagement Coordinator@University of Nebraska-Lincoln

I help K-12 teachers and students better understand and engage with complex, messy systems. Most of my work focuses on food, energy, water, and societal systems.