Activity 1.2: Systems and Subsystems

Activity 1.2- Systems and Subsystems

Purpose Have you ever wondered why someone invented doors that open automatically when you approach them? Your parents and teachers may remember when automatic doors were not the norm. Why do you think someone created them in the first place? Quite possibly, because store customers could not open the door while holding bags of groceries or while pushing a cart to their cars, an ingenious store owner decided to make it easier for his/her customers to get in and out of the store by having automatic doors. Another reason might be the influence of the Universal Accessibility Law that came about as a result of pressure from more and more people with mobility difficulties who wanted access to stores and offices. Automatic doors are just one example of a system that is made up of smaller subsystems. Some of the subsystems that make the doors open and close are power, processing controllers and visual, or motion sensors. Each of these requires inputs to produce the desired output.

Systems come in all shapes and sizes. The one thing they all have in common is the fact that they were designed to accomplish a specific task. You are surrounded by other examples of technological systems which are in place to help you cope more easily with your surroundings and environment.

In this activity, you will look at other examples of systems and investigate the subsystems that are found in them.

Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2007 GTT – Science of Technology Unit – Lesson 1 – Activity 1.2 - Systems– Page 1 SYSTEM: A system can be defined as a group of items forming a whole. Think of it as the BIG picture or the whole enchilada.

Some very common examples of systems could be:

 Human body

In order to function or work, these systems require Subsystems.  Universe

SUBSYSTEM: A subsystem can be defined as a secondary part of a larger system. If a system were a group of items forming a whole then a subsystem would be the individual items within the system.

Below are some examples of Systems. On the blanks provided, list three subsystem.

System is a computer. System is a stereo. 1. 1. 2. 2. 3. 3.

System is a middle school. System is a technology lab. 1. 1. 2. 2. 3. 3.

Below are some examples of both Systems and Subsystems. On the blanks provided, list what makes up the subsystem.

Subsystems of the human body: Circulatory ______

Digestive ______

Nervous ______

System: Universe ______

Subsystems of the universe: ______

______

System: Eco System ______

Subsystems of an eco system: ______

______

System: Automobile ______

Subsystems of an automobile: ______

______

System: House or Apartment ______

Subsystems of a house or apartment: ______

______

Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2007 GTT – Science of Technology Unit – Lesson 1 – Activity 1.2 - Systems– Page 3 Conclusion 1. Write down another system that we have not discussed in class and name three subsystems.

2. What might happen if a single subsystem within a system is not functioning properly.

3. Why are systems and subsystems an important topic of discussion in technology?