Systems & Models

Systems & Models1.1.1 1.1.3 & 1.1.8, 1.1.9 (start)Mrs. Page 2014-2015ASSESSMENT STATEMENTS1.1.1 Outline the concept and characteristics of systems. The emphasis will be on ecosystems but some mention should be made of economic, social and value systems. 1.1.2 Apply the systems concept on a range of scales.The range must include a small-scale local ecosystem, a large ecosystem such as a biome, and Gaia as an example of a global ecosystem.1.1.3 Define the terms open system, closed system and isolated system. 1.1.8 Distinguish between flows (inputs and outputs) and storages (stock) in relationship to systems.1.1.9 Construct and analyze quantitative models involving flows and storages in a system.SYSTEMSOn your notebook paper, brainstorm examples of a system from your every day life. Be ready to share. Round Robin Looking at these examples, how could we define a system?What is a System?A SystemIs an organized collection of interdependent components that perform a function and which are connected through the transfer of energy and/or matterAll the parts are linked together and affect each other.

REDUCTIONIST VS HOLISTIC APPROACHESReductionist Approach: Looking at each individual partHolistic Approach: looking at how everything works together

This course will focus on both!REDUCTIONIST VS HOLISTICRange of ScalesLargest Scale Universe as a systemEarth as a systemA specific biome as a system (ex: Rainforests)A specific ecosystem as a system (ex: Amazon rainforest)River bank within Amazon rainforestSmall ScalePlant on river bank on AmazonGAIA HypothesisJames LovelockMid 1960sProposed that plant Earth is a single living system (global system)Earth maintains homeostasis (temperature, climate, ocean salinity) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVGuRX0xNaI 3 Types of Systems

An open system exchanges matter and energy with its surroundings (for example, an ecosystem).

3 Types of SystemsA closed system exchanges energy but not matter; Biosphere II experiment was an attempt to model this. closed Do not occur naturally on Earth, but all the global cycles of matter, for example, the water and nitrogen cycles, approximate to closed systems.

3 Types of SystemsAn isolated system exchanges neither matter nor energy. No such systems exist The universe as we know it is sometimes considered a closed system

SYSTEM DIAGRAMS1.1.8 Distinguish between flows (inputs & outputs) and storages (stocks) in relation to a system. Used to visually represent a systemBoxes show storage of matter or energyArrows show the flow of matter or energyInputs = arrows into the storageOutputs = arrows out of the storageProcesses get labelled on the arrow (ex: photosynthesis, respiration, diffusion, consumption, etc)SYSTEM DIAGRAMS

WaterWaterNutrients (food)WasteBiomass to Next Trophic LevelCarbon Dioxide (CO2)OxygenBiomass to DecomposersYOU TRY: FORMATIVEChoose a system from our list created earlier or a new one you have thought of and create a system diagram to show the stocks and flows in your system. Be prepared to share your system with classmatesHOMEWORKMake assessment notecards for assessment statements 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, and 1.1.8Assessment Statement written on front of cardAnswer and/or examples on the back of the card