Living Systems: Investigation 1.1

Living Systems
Investigation 1.1

We studied the solar system during our Earth & Sun unit this year, so we already know the solar system is made up of the Sun, Earth, the Moon, Mars, Venus and other planets. Solar refers to the Sun, but what is a system?

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Introduction to Systems

​Living Systems
Investigation 1.1

​Focus Question: What is a system?

A system is a collection of interacting parts. The parts work together to create a structure or produce an action. In the solar system, the parts include the Sun and the planets and their moons. The interactions are the motions of the objects and the force of gravity that holds them together. Gravity and the collection of objects work together as a system.

A pair of scissors is a system. It has two levers with sharp edges (blades). Your hand applies force to the two ends of the levers. The cutting edges apply force to the material between the blades. This system cuts through the material.

The solar system is huge and complex. A pair of scissors is small and simple. Both systems are a collection of interacting parts.

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What is a system?

​Living Systems
Investigation 1.1

​Focus Question: What is a system?

• A system is a collection of interacting parts

• Parts work together

​create a structure

​produce an action

Open Ended

What examples of systems can you think of?

Open Ended

What is the function of a bicycle?

Open Ended

Identify at least three parts of the bicycle.

If you don’t know the name of a part, make up a name.

Tell what function each part has.

Open Ended

Can any one part of the bicycle carry out the job of the whole bicycle?

Explain your answer!

Open Ended

Can a part be removed and have the bicycle still work? Explain your answer.

Open Ended

Could the bicycle still carry out its function if some parts of it were arranged differently?

Open Ended

What parts of the bicycle must work together if you want to ride around a corner?

Open Ended

Is the rider part of the system?

Explain!

Poll

Choose one system below.

You will draw a picture and label the parts of the system on your focus question page!

• A seesaw

• A yoyo

• A backpack

• A train