What are Systems?

Systems are a group of individual parts or procedures that work together to

perform a task. In this lesson, we will examine both physical and natural systems.
 Engage Exploring Systems

A system is a group of parts that function Directions

together to perform a specific task.
Can you think of some systems that you have come into
An example of a system is a bicycle. A bicycle has contact with on a daily basis? What are they and what is
many parts that work together to perform a the purpose of using it?
specific task - to propel an individual forward and System Purpose
allow them to travel faster than if they were to
walk. car To travel somewhere in less
time
There are many different types of systems.
Systems can be classified, or categorized into mouse To click whatever you want to
click on from the computer
physical systems or social/organizational
systems. Both have very different purposes, but Digestive breaks down food and absorbs
play an important role in the daily life of an system nutrients for energy and
individual. growth
What do you think is the difference
Difference between physical system and social,and organizational
between a physical system and a system is physical system has do with forces while social and
social/organizational system? organizational system involve people and interactions and It has
nothing to do with forces and power.
 Explore Physical Systems

A physical system is a system that relies on a group of

physical parts (e.g., nuts, bolts, levers) that perform a
function.
Directions
Physical Systems can be natural or man-made.
Click on the following links to
There are FOUR different types of Physical Systems: access the Four different Types of
Physical Systems.
■ Body Systems Complete each question, then
■ Mechanical System return to the second part of our
■ Optical System EXPLORE slides.
■ Electrical System

Some physical systems can be considered a natural

systems. The human body is made up of several natural
systems, such as the digestive organ system.
 Explore Social Systems

A social system is a group of people or groups of living things that join together to perform a
specific function. Social Systems may be natural or man-made. These social systems establish
ways that people or other organisms interact and relate to one another.

Examples of natural social systems include:

al system?
■ ant colonies
■ bee colonies
■ wolf packs

Examples of man-made social system include:

■ healthcare
■ education
■ waste management
 Explore Our school is system ...

Our school is an example of a social system. Schools involve several working parts to ensure that it
functions properly. These are called components. Components are the parts required by the
system itself.

If system
al we break down the school system, we can say that it includes the students, staff, secretary,
principal, custodians, the board office, the building, the playgrounds, and all of the required
materials necessary for teaching and learning. Each part has a different role and is necessary for
the system to be successful.

What components are necessary to ensure that Tim Horton’s

remains a successful company?

Employee Collaboration and Teamwork,Community Integration,Supply

Chain Relationships And Customer Engagement and Satisfaction.
 Explain Making Connections...

In your own words, describe the difference between a Physical System vs a Social/Organizational
System. Use the information from this lesson to assist you in your response.

The difference between physical system and social system is social systems
require people and interactions while physical system relies on other parts and do
not require people.
 Extend The purpose of systems

Whether the system was designed to be a physical system or a social/organization system, it

was designed for a specific purpose - to perform a task.

Each system is required to have the following:

❏ Purpose - What the system is to accomplish

❏ Input - Something that must be put into the system, in order for something else to
happen. We can refer to this as the start of a function.
❏ Output - This is what happens after the input has been added to the system. We can refer
to this as the end product.
❏ Components - The parts required to make the system work
❏ Process - The action that occurs as a result of all parts working together.
 Extend The purpose of systems

Can you figure out what this system is referring to?

Purpose: To grow things

Input: Seeds, Water, Fertilizer

Remove this rectangle for
the answer
Output: Flowers, Food

Components: Soil, Sunlight, Carbon Dioxide

Processes: Planting, Watering, Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration

What is this system? I think It's Gardening system and plant

growth system
Physical System ~ Body System
Body systems are designed to perform a specific
function. These systems help to keep us alive, and
without them, our bodies would not be able to
function

Which body systems do you remember? List them in

the space below.

❏ Respiratory system
❏ Skeletal system
❏ Nervous systems
Physical System ~ Mechanical System

A mechanical system is a system that uses

mechanical principles, forces or movement.
An example of a mechanical system is a nail gun.

What other mechanical systems can you think of?

List them below.

❏ Bicycle
❏ Door lock
❏ Elevator
❏ Roller coaster and so much more.
Physical System ~ Optical System
An optical system uses the properties of light. It is a
combination of lenses, mirrors, and prisms that
make up the optical part of an optical instrument.
An example of an optic system is a camera.

What other optical systems can you think of? List

them below.

❏ Camera lens
❏ Microscope
❏ Telescope
❏ Binoculars
Physical System ~ Electrical System
An electrical system is a device or system that
provides electricity. It is made up of one or more
pieces of equipment that are connected to or are
part of a structure and designed to provide a
service such as heat or electricity.

What other electrical systems can you think of? List

them below.

❏ Electric motor
❏ Circuit board
❏ Battery system
❏ Electrical generator
❏ Electrical control system