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 Activity
1.30 Learning to
Think About Systems |
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[ Overheads for teacher led discussion ] [ Teacher notes ] [ AACPS Unit 1 ]
Essential Question
 |
'system', |
Definition of a System
- Systems thinking involves thinking about the whole in terms of its parts, and how these parts relate to each other. Involves thinking about what are the inputs and outputs and the interactions among the system components.
Key
Ideas about systems
- A system has some properties that are different from the individual parts.
- Boundaries and subsystems must be clear when defining a system
- The feedback from one part of a system to another part can be used to understand the system.
- Even in a simple system it may not always be possible to accurately predict the result of changing one part of it.
- In natural systems we need to think about inputs and outputs and the interactions among the system components.
- A system can be represented graphically to help us understand the system.
Questions
about systems ( print
these )
Here are some general
questions that we can ask about all systems. These questions help
us define the system.
| Name of the System ______________________
1. When this system is working, what does it do? 2. For this system to work, must it receive any input? 3. What, if any, output does this system produce? 4. Identify at least four parts of this system. Describe what each part does, and tell how each part contributes to the system as a whole 5. Can any one part of this system do what the whole system does? Explain. 6. Identify any two parts of this system that must interact if the system is to work. Describe how these parts interact.. 7. What is the boundary of this system? Where does it begin and end? 8. Are there any subsystems within the whole system? If so, describe one subsystem. 9. Describe how this system would change if one of the parts wears out. 10. Does this object fit our working definition of a system? |
Group Discussion Assignment
|
What is a System? |
Click here
for guidelines for this activity.
Graphically representing systems Three symbols are used to represent the components of a system. The finished diagram of a system is called a Box Model.
1. boxes... 
Use boxes to symbolize the sources of matter or energy, or the sinks into which matter or energy flows.
Use an arrow to symbolize the connection and direction between a source and a sink.
A circle symbolizes a condition or factor that will affect the system.
An
Example of
a Box Model
Suppose we wanted to create a model that shows how the Sun's energy warms soil.
Step 1. First identify the sources and sinks. In this situation the Sun is the source of the energy, and the SOIL is a sink, which means it stores or holds the energy, and so it becomes warm. Draw boxes, label them and use and arrow to show the energy flowing.
Step 2. Add influencing factors. Think about what other factors influence this simple 'system'. Use circles and more arrows to show the factors.
Group Discussion Assignment
| Create a Box Model of
the Global Water Cycle
|
Click here
for guidelines for this activity.
Systems Vocabulary
Use a dictionary to look up meanings for the following terms defining
how they are used related to systems. (click here
for printing)
| System
components subsystem input output boundary
|
feedback
box model source sink box (in a Box Model) arrow (in a Box Model) circle (in a Box Model) |
These web pages and some supporting images were generated with IDL.
| Copyright © 1999 Gallaudet University
Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center All Rights Reserved Mon Jan 6 05:23:32 2003 |
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