Systems & Models

1. Systems & Models 1.1.1 – 1.1.3 & 1.1.8, 1.1.9 (start) Mrs. Page 2014-2015

2. ASSESSMENT STATEMENTS • 1.1.1 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.

3. SYSTEMS • On 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?

4. What is a System? • A System • Is an organized collection of interdependentcomponents that perform a function and which are connected through the transfer of energy and/or matter • All the parts are linked together and affect each other.

5. REDUCTIONIST VS HOLISTIC APPROACHES Reductionist Approach: Looking at each individual part Holistic Approach: looking at how everything works together This course will focus on both!

6. REDUCTIONIST VS HOLISTICRange of Scales Largest Scale Universe as a system Earth as a system A specific biome as a system (ex: Rainforests) A specific ecosystem as a system (ex: Amazon rainforest) River bank within Amazon rainforest Small Scale Plant on river bank on Amazon

7. GAIA Hypothesis • James Lovelock • Mid 1960’s • Proposed that plant Earth is a single living system (global system) • Earth maintains homeostasis (temperature, climate, ocean salinity) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVGuRX0xNaI

8. 3 Types of Systems • An open system exchanges matter and energy with its surroundings (for example, an ecosystem).

9. 3 Types of Systems • A 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.

10. 3 Types of Systems • An isolated system exchanges neither matter nor energy. • No such systems exist • The universe as we know it is sometimes considered a closed system

11. SYSTEM DIAGRAMS 1.1.8 Distinguish between flows (inputs & outputs) and storages (stocks) in relation to a system. • Used to visually represent a system • Boxes show storage of matter or energy • Arrows show the flow of matter or energy • Inputs = arrows into the storage • Outputs = arrows out of the storage • Processes get labelled on the arrow (ex: photosynthesis, respiration, diffusion, consumption, etc)

12. SYSTEM DIAGRAMS Water Biomass to Next Trophic Level Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Waste Nutrients (food) Water Oxygen Biomass to Decomposers

13. YOU TRY: FORMATIVE • Choose 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 classmates

14. HOMEWORK • Make assessment notecards for assessment statements 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, and 1.1.8 • Assessment Statement written on front of card • Answer and/or examples on the back of the card