Topic 1 The Systems Approach to Science 5 hours
Science is: What is Science? a methodical, logical process for producing knowledge about natural phenomena a cumulative body of knowledge produced by scientists a process based on careful observation and hypothesis testing
Variables In each study there is one dependent variable and one or more independent variables.(manipulated) The dependent variable is affected by what happens to the independent variable. (responding) In a graph, the dependent variable is on the vertical (Y) axis and the independent variable is on the horizontal axis (X).
Systems Collection or an assemblage of parts and their relationships forming a functioning entirely or whole Ex. Human body, then there are systems w/in a system ex. Digestive sys or reproductive system; atoms are systems; there r social systems like families, schools, churches, governments; machines r systems; parts of a car that interact to make the car run.
System Approach Specialization- divided into smaller parts; allows for more concentration on each part Grouping- easier to study a system by grouping many small parts and concentrating on figuring out the relationships of the groups
System Approach Coordination- interactions among parts w/in group must be coordinated Among groups to work together Emergent Properties- system as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts
Systems Consists of Storages (of matter or energy) Flows (imputs into the system, outputs from the system Processes (transfer/transform energy into matter) Feedback mechanisms that maintain stability and equilibrium Boundries
Systems- major components Elements- measurable things that can be linked together Trees, herbs, birds, insects (we can measure, count, weigh) Processes- transform; activities, relations or functions ex. Growth, mortality, decomposition, and disturbances see figure 1.1
Systems - wide range of Must include small scale local Large ecosystem ex biome Gaia (Guy-a) global ecosystem Fish>coral reef ecosystem>ocean>earth>solar sys>galaxy>universe scales
Gaia hypothesis James Lovelock That our planet functions as a single living organism Earth s elements ; water, soil, temp etc.. Are closely integrated to form a complex interacting sys. That maintains homeostasis for earth
systems Can be living Can be non-living On a any scale from large to small
Identify the components of these sample systems Cell Bicycle Automobile Home Office/school computer
Systems Open- exchange both matter and energy w/their surroundings wx. Almost all ecosystems Closed- exchange energy, but not matter w/ their surroundings ex. Water cycle. E from Sun is imported but water stays on earth
1.1.2 Types of systems (3) Open System Energy Matter System Energy Matter It exchanges both energy and matter. 17
Closed System Energy System Energy It only exchanges energy. 18
Systems Isolated- exchange neither energy nor matter w/their surroundings Ex. Rare in nature - usually found in controlled lab experiments
Isolated System System It exchanges neither energy nor matter Do isolated systems exist? If not, why then we have thought about them? 20
Lets Think about it! Summary A system is a collection of well-organised and well-integrated elements with perceptible attributes which establish relationships among them within a defined space delimited by a boundary which necessarily transforms energy for its own functioning. An ecosystem is a dynamic unit whose organised and integrated elements transform energy which is used in the transformation and recycling of matter in an attempt to preserve its structure and guarantee the survival of all its component elements. Although we tend to isolate systems by delimiting the boundaries, in reality such boundaries may not be exact or even real. Furthermore, one systems is always in connection with another system with which it exchanges both matter and energy. TOK Link: Does this hold true for the Universe? 22
Analyze systems The Lorax- think about what happens when the Onceler arrives and starts chopping down trees Draw a bubble for each factor and an arrow for each relationship between variables Get started- Thneeds production causes the truffula trees to be cut down.