Technological systems
The purpose of the Technological systems component is to support students to develop logical capabilities, by understanding why and how systems work the way they do, then to apply this knowledge when they design and develop their own systems.
A technological system is a set of interconnected components that has been designed to fulfil a particular function without further human design input.
Technological systems transform, store, transport, or control materials, energy, and/or information for a particular purpose.
A door mechanism is an example of a system made of material parts that are controlled to allow a door to open and close. Computer code is an example of an information system where the lines of code direct the computer to carry out instructions. Generating power using hydro-electricity is an example of a system that controls and transforms the energy of moving water into electricity.
In any system, how the parts work together is as important as their individual characteristics.
In order for students to design their own systems, it is important they understand systems concepts:
- input, output, transformation, and control
- "black box”
- redundancy and reliability
- operational parameters.
Technological systems: Key ideas (Word 2007, 31 KB)
Acknowledgment: This paper is derived from an earlier version by Dr Vicki Compton and Cliff Harwood.