AbstractAccumulation processes, feedback loops, nonlinearities, and delays are the four main elements of dynamic complexity. Knowing about and understanding these elements is necessary in conceptualizing and constructing dynamic feedback models. Therefore, the elements are major topics when teaching system dynamics. This short note aims to explain the relations of these elements with each other in the hope of providing a perspective that can help improve the understanding of students of system dynamics. We also suggest an order of presentation of these elements in teaching based on the relations between them. © 2023 System Dynamics Society.