Systems in Action Introduction

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, etc. names of come from type of energy they use Examples: jackhammer, camera, electrical circuit

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

Social Systems Natural social systems: bee colonies, wolf or coyote packs, etc. Human-made social systems: 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 care? Bicycle? Lamp? Can opener?

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 Processes all the individual parts of a system 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: Output: Components: Processes:

Let’s look back at our garden… Purpose: To Grow things Input: energy from the sun, seeds, water, fertilizer, soil 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: 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:

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

Side Effects While all systems have desired outputs, they often have undesired outputs called side effects as well. For example, the desired output of a car is motion. Some of the side effects of using cars are air pollution, traffic congestion, noise pollution, and the loss of natural habitat due to roads and parking spaces

Systems thinking is a term that involves thinking about how the parts of a system work together, and also about trying to understand how systems affect people, other organisms, and the environment. Developing systems thinking can help people make better choices in the way they use systems. Systems thinking and better choices may not entirely eliminate side effects, but can help reduce their negative impacts on society and the environment.

Required Information: a. What is your system? What is the system’s desired function? b. Identify the various components of your system that allow it to perform its function efficiently and safely. What are the parts ? c. Identify the purpose, inputs and the outputs of your system. What needs to go into your system to make it work? What is the output of your system? d. Assess the side effects of your system - they may be social, economic and environmental. Are there any side effects? List and explain them. e. Provide alternative ways of meeting the needs of your system which may have fewer side effects. 4. Include a drawing or flow chart of your system. Make sure to clearly label the components, input and output.

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,