Download - The Systems Model Foundations of Technology The Systems Model © 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, STEM Center for

Foundations of Technology

The Systems ModelThe Systems Model

© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™ Foundations of Technology

Teacher Resource Unit 4 Lesson 2

The BIG IdeaThe BIG Idea

Big Idea:

The universal systems model — input, process, output, and feedback — helps users isolate the components of a system so that they may be properly used and maintained.


What is a System?What is a System?

A system is a group of organized parts or sub-systems that are integrated to collectively achieve a desired goal.

All systems have various inputs, which go through processes to produce outputs.

High-functioning systems collect feedback to increase efficiency.


SystemsSystems

Systems can be simple or complex.


versus

Simple SystemsSimple Systems

Simple systems have a limited amount of sub-systems, which can be easily identified and diagnosed.

The input, processes, outputs and feedback are easy to categorizein a simple system.


Complex SystemsComplex Systems

Complex systems have a hierarchy of sub-systems, which often interact with the environment and/or unknown variables.

The input, processes,output and feedbackare complex and theclassification can bechallenging.


Types of SystemsTypes of Systems

Types of systems:

Biological systems – a group of organs that work together to perform a task

Example: the heart, brain

Mechanical systems – a system of mechanisms that use power to change force or movement

Example: a thermostat, bicycle© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™ Foundations of Technology

What is a System?What is a System?

Types of systems:

Ecosystems – a group of organisms that interact with their natural environment

Example: predator/prey, nature

Social systems – how organisms interact with the designed world

Example: supply and demand, driving


InputsInputs

Inputs consist of the resources that flow into a technological system.

Inputs typically include:

People and time,

Materials and capital,

Tools and/or machines,

Energy and information,


ProcessesProcesses

Processes consist of the purposeful sequencing of tasks that combine resources to produce a desired output.

Processes can be categorized into:

Problem Solving: processes that works involve identifying the problem and selecting a solution

Production: processes that involves creating a product or structure

Management: processes that control and manage the inputs and processes involved in the system


OutputOutput

Output is the end result, which can have either a positive or negative impact.

Outputs can take the following forms:

Unexpected Desired

Expected Desired

Unexpected Undesired

Expected Undesired


FeedbackFeedback

Feedback is information used to monitor and control a system.

The feedback loop allows the system to make necessary adjustments during the operation of the overall system or a specific sub-system.


Open SystemsOpen Systems

Open Systems do not have a feedback loop and require human intervention.

Example: a microwave, which requires the user to input the appropriate time and determine if the food is prepared


Closed SystemsClosed Systems

Closed Systems apply feedback to manage and control the system.

Example: a home heating system, which requires the user to input a desired temperature and uses a thermostat to collect feedback and turn the system on/off


Systems TheorySystems Theory

Systems theory is the study of how things work and suggests that both natural and man-made systems have interrelated parts that work together to produce an output.

All systems tend to have similarities in the way they work.

The application of the systems theory can be applied to the engineering design process.


Download - The Systems Model Foundations of Technology The Systems Model © 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, STEM Center for

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