Systems in Action

Types of Systems System – composed of parts that work together to perform a function Systems may be physical or social

Physical Systems a group of physical parts that need to work together to perform a function. (telephone, electronic games, organs, dump truck) Physical systems may be natural or human-made.

Physical Systems Natural physical systems include the solar system and an animal's digestive system. Human-made physical systems include mechanical systems, optical systems, electrical systems, hydraulic systems…(The names of these systems come from the type of energy they use) ex. jackhammer, camera, electrical circuit

Social Systems Social systems are groups of people, or other organisms, joining together to perform tasks and establish relationships. Ex. health care, education, transportation, police force, ant colonies Social systems may be natural or human-made.

Social Systems Examples of natural social systems would be bee colonies, wolf or coyote packs, etc. Human-made social systems include health care, education, waste management systems, a symphony orchestra, postal service Social systems establish ways that people or other organisms interact and relate to one another.

All systems have a Purpose which is its reason for existing

All systems have a Purpose which is its reason for existing What is the purpose of the following systems? Health car? Bicycle? Lamp? Can operner?

Inputs are all of the things that go into a system to make it work Inputs are all of the things that go into a system to make it work. Inputs may include forces, energy, and resources (raw materials) Outputs are all of the tasks or services that the system performs Components are all the individual parts of a system Processes are the actions, taken by the system, that allow it to convert the input to the output.

Analyzing Systems Garden Take a few minutes to analyze a garden as a system. Purpose: Input: Output: Components: Processes:

Let’s look back at our garden… Purpose: To Grow things Input: energy from the sun, seeds, water, fertilizer, soil Output: Flowers, food, fun, nutrients to soil, habitat for organisms Components: soil, sunlight, carbon dioxide, plants, insects Processes: planting, watering, photosynthesis, pollination

Let’s Look More Closely at two systems Complete the septic tank/rube Goldberg system assignment ... Come see me to get the assignment 

Systems to investigate: telephones, electronic games, organ systems health care, transportation, education, police force, postal service, water cycle, carbon cycle, motor boat, dump truck, factory, bakery,