Types & Components of Systems Natural vs. Designed Systems There are two main types of systems: Natural and Designed. Natural systems are those that would exist if there was no intelligent life in the Universe. Designed systems require some sort of intelligent input in order to come into existence. The relationship between individual parts is what we are referring to when we use the word systematic to describe a series of actions that are logical and predictable. Natural Systems The birth of stars is a natural system because hydrogen condenses under the force of gravity until it becomes a large, dense collection, and the hydrogen starts fusing into helium (and later into heavier elements). Stars would exist if there was nothing but hydrogen in the entire Universe. It is a simple system using only hydrogen and gravity. Weather is a natural system, too. Sunlight arrives here on Earth and supplies the energy to evaporate water from rivers, oceans, and lakes. It rises up into the atmosphere, is moved by winds, and eventually falls out again somewhere as rain or snow. That eventually returns to the original bodies of water and the cycle repeats. No intelligent thought is required for the system to function. Weather is a complex system relying on many components and happens everywhere, even on other planets and moons. A complex system is a collection of parts that work in unison to accomplish an action. Designed Systems Termites may be individually unremarkable, but collectively they have a powerful Social System run by rudimentary intelligence which allows them to collect materials, build their nests, defend them from attackers, and other maintenance issues. Occupants change their tasks according to need. Their nest management might be mistaken for a “natural” system, but wx it is the result of intelligence (even at this instinctive level).Human Designs Dominoes are a designed system where workers carefully assemble the line, making sure that each piece will interact with just one other piece and not trigger the wrong event elsewhere. It relies on every single component doing its precise job at a precise instant. Dominoes are therefore a precision system, and it moves in one direction, from order to chaos. They cannot assemble or reassemble themselves. The system requires intelligence and outside action in order to function. Another precision system is a pinsetter in a bowling alley. It can perform the same function until its parts wear out, thousands and thousands of times, without variation. Versatile systems, on the other hand, can respond to different inputs in different ways. For example, the Law Enforcement system looks at clues to understand how a crime took place, and who was responsible; doctors look at disease symptoms to eliminate causes, identify treatments, and solve medical mysteries; and sports professionals practice “plays," creating a responsive system that can react to changing conditions. Components of Systems Simple Systems’ Components The zipper is a series of interlocking teeth (elements), pinch-mounted on opposing edges of fabric. The complete strip can be sewn or otherwise attached to flexible material (such as clothing, tents, or backpacks), to allow edges to be connected easily. These elements are forced together in a Y- shaped slider, or forced apart by a moving wedge, also within the slider. Depending on the direction of travel, it either joins or disconnects the two edges. Complex Systems’ Components Traffic and pedestrian signals rely on many fixed-function parts, and depend on drivers and walkers to understand the signalling system. When the system fails, chaos follows.Different coloured lights (red and green) indicate whether one should stop, or go, with an intermediate amber/yellow light to indicate that a change is coming. Sometimes lights are equipped with green arrows to show that a driver has priority over other traffic to make a turn. Other times it may have red arrows to show that a turn is forbidden. Sometimes each traffic lane has an individual signal light. Buried wires in the pavement help the signalling system determine the presence of vehicles so it can change the timers controlling the duration of the signals to maximize traffic flow. Pedestrians have an additional set of pedestrian signals syncopated to the timing of the traffic signals, to show when they should (or should not) cross an intersection, often with a countdown timer to show time remaining before the signal cycles. This helps slow-moving people to determine if they have sufficient time to complete a crossing before traffic starts to flow again. The Takeaway Systems can be comprised of people, such as government, computers, such as the Internet, or deep currents in the ocean that are responsible for all life on Earth. They might also simply be how gravity guides the planets around the Sun, the Sun around the Milky Way Galaxy, or the Milky Way around the Universe, on its billion year journey. When Systems don’t interact properly, get ready for problems!Types & Components of Systems What is a designed system? Give an example to support your answer. What is a natural system? Give an example to support your answer. What are the similarities and differences between designed and natural systems? Research and explain at least two types of systems.5. Explain the concept of inputs, outputs and side effects within functioning systems. Use real life examples to support your answer. 6. Draw and label a diagram of a designed system showing the inputs, outputs and side effects. 7. Draw and label a diagram of a natural system showing the inputs, outputs and side effects.8. Use the internet to research one human-made and one natural. Identify and explain the various processes and components that allow it to perform its function efficiently and safely.