
Look around you—many things in our world are made up of parts that work together. A bicycle, a plant, and even your own body are examples of systems. But what exactly is a system?
A system is a whole made up of different parts that work together to perform a function. Each part has a unique role, and together, they allow the system to function properly. If one part stops working, the whole system may be affected!
For example, think about a bicycle. It has wheels, pedals, a chain, and brakes—each part has a job to do. If the chain breaks, the pedals can’t turn the wheels, and the bicycle won’t move. Just like this, systems in nature and human-made systems depend on their parts to work together.
So, how do different parts of a system work together? Why is it important to understand how systems function? And what can we learn from the systems in nature and the ones we create?
Let’s explore these big questions together!
Our bodies are made up of different systems, each with a specific function that helps keep us alive and healthy. We need systems to take in oxygen from the air, get energy from food, and move about. But no single part can do everything on its own—each system plays a role, and they all work together to keep the body functioning.
Our body is made up of different systems that work together to keep us alive. The respiratory system helps us take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, while the digestive system breaks down food to provide energy. The circulatory system transports oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, ensuring that every cell gets what it needs. The skeletal system gives our body structure and protects important organs, while the muscular system allows us to move. No system can function alone—each one depends on the others to keep the body working properly.
For the body to function properly, not only do all the parts within a system need to work, but all systems must interact and support each other. Just like a well-built machine, every part plays a role in keeping us alive and active.
Like human body systems, plants are systems made up of different parts that work together to help them grow and survive. Roots anchor the plant and absorb water, the stem supports the plant and transports nutrients, and leaves produce food through photosynthesis. Flowers and fruits allow reproduction by attracting pollinators and spreading seeds. Internally, the xylem carries water from the roots to the leaves, while the phloem distributes food throughout the plant. If any part stops working, the whole plant can suffer, showing that all systems must function together to keep the plant alive.
Just like living things, man-made systems also rely on different parts working together to perform a function. Electrical systems, for example, consist of components like batteries, wires, bulbs, and switches that allow electricity to flow when connected in a closed circuit. If any part is missing or faulty, the system won’t function properly.
In NG Science, we explore how systems shape the world around us. Whether in living things like humans and plants or in man-made designs like electrical circuits, we'll discover how every system is made up of parts that must work together to perform a function.