Universal System Model of Technology

Learning Standards 2. Engineering Design Engineering design is an iterative process that involves modeling and optimizing to develop technological solutions to problems within given constraints. 2.6 Identify the five elements of a universal systems model: goal, inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback. Iterative: repeating

Learning Objectives Students will be able to: 1) Define & describe the Universal Systems Model 2) Understand & explain the parts of the Universal System Model 3) Describe and explain the difference between an Open Loop System & a Closed Loop System

Universal: Pertains to all or everything System: Group of parts working together in an organized way to complete a task Model: A representation of something Technology: Something that extends human abilities or satisfies a need or want

Universal Systems Model of Technology A model that can be used to describe every type of technology from the very simple (pencil) to the very complex (computer)

Universal System Model of Technology Input Everything necessary to design or develop a product or system Goal: What you want the system to do 7 Resources Materials: What things are made of Information: Knowledge used to create technology Energy: Source of power used to create technology Capital: Accumulated wealth (Money, Credit or Land) Time: How long it takes to complete a task Tools & Instrument that increases ability to do work Machines: Tool with a power system People: People use SKILL (Combination of knowledge & practice that enables you to do something well) to create technology

The most important resource (or input) for any technology is People Why???????? Without PEOPLE there would be no technology

Universal System Model of Technology Input Process Output Goal: What you want the system to do Resources: (7) The result that comes out of the system The steps that lead to a result People, tools & machines, information, time, capital, energy, materials Comparing the result to the original goal; adjustments are made to the inputs and/or processes Feedback: Closed Loop System System that has a way to control or measure its output Example: Heating & cooling systems in most homes and businesses

Universal System Model of Technology Input Process Output Goal: What you want the system to do Resources (7): The result that comes out of the system The steps that lead to a result People, tools & machines, information, time, capital, energy, materials Open Loop System System has no way of controlling or measuring it’s output Example: Heating your house with a wood stove or Filling a bathtub or sink with water

MCAS Question The picture below shows an iron. When considering an iron as an example of a system, what is the input? A. Electricity B. Temperature C. Motion D. Steam from the plate A. Electricity 78%

MCAS Question 2008 After a windstorm, Nick called the electric company to report that he had no electricity. His phone call is an example of which of the following elements of the Universal Systems Model? A. Designing a process B. Generating output C. Giving feedback D. Setting a goal C. Giving feedback

MCAS Question B. Electricity The picture below shows a toaster. Consider the toaster as an example of a system. Which of the following is the input in this system? A. Temperature Setting B. Electricity C. The bread to be toasted D. The heat from the toasting bread B. Electricity