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• The ability to think about a whole in terms of its parts, and how these parts relate to each other and the whole.

• What are the inputs and outputs and the interactions among the system components?

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• 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 some 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.

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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?
 
 
 
 

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A box is used to symbolize a source of matter or energy or a sink into which matter or energy flows.
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An arrow is used to symbolize the connection and direction between a source and a sink.
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A circle symbolized a condition or factor that will affect the system.

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