Digital Systems and Nature: Understanding Input, Process, Output

by Colleen O'Rourke

What is a Digital System?
A Working Group
A digital system is a collection of parts that work together to accomplish a task.
Hardware and Software
It's made up of physical parts called hardware, and instructions called software that tell the hardware what to do.
Input and Output
It takes inputs from the world, processes them, and creates outputs.
Examples
Computers, tablets, and smartphones are all digital systems.
Parts of a Digital System

1

Hardware
The physical parts of a digital system we can touch.

2

Processor
The "brain" of a digital system, performing calculations.

3

Memory
Stores data and programs for the processor to access.

4

Software
Instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
How Inputs Work
Keyboard
Key presses translate into characters for the device to understand.
Touch Screen
Gestures and taps are recognized as commands.
Microphone
Sound waves are converted into digital signals.
Camera
Light is captured and turned into an image.
Processing in Digital Systems

1

Inputs
The "brain" of the device works on inputs.

2

Instructions
The processor follows software instructions.

3

Memory
Memory helps store information.

4

Step by Step
Like a recipe being followed step by step.
Outputs in Digital Systems
Pictures on screen
Sounds from speakers
Printed documents
Messages sent to others
Natural Systems: What Are They?
Found in Nature
They are a part of the natural world, not created by humans.
Work Without Human Help
These systems operate independently, without any human intervention.
Have Inputs and Outputs
Just like digital systems, they receive information and produce results.
Examples
Examples include plants, weather cycles, and entire ecosystems.
Plant Systems: Inputs
Sunlight
Plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy through photosynthesis.
Water
Water is essential for plant growth and nutrient transport. It is absorbed through the roots and distributed throughout the plant.
Air (Carbon Dioxide)
Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air during photosynthesis to produce sugar.
Nutrients from Soil
Plants obtain essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from the soil through their roots.
Plant Systems: Processing

1

2

3

4

1

Photosynthesis
Sunlight into energy

2

Roots
Water and nutrients

3

Leaves
Carbon dioxide

4

Teamwork
Parts work together
Plant Systems: Outputs
Oxygen Released
Plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.
Growth of New Parts
Plants use the energy they create through photosynthesis to grow new leaves, stems, branches, roots, and fruits.
Seeds for New Plants
Plants produce seeds that contain the genetic information to create new plants, ensuring the continuation of the species.
Comparing Digital and Natural Systems
Both systems need inputs to function.
Both systems process information or materials.
Both systems create outputs.
Both systems have different parts working together.
Inside a Digital Device
Motherboard
The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all of the different parts of a digital device.
Processor
The processor is the "brain" of the device, responsible for performing calculations and executing instructions.
Memory
Memory is used to store information that the processor needs to access quickly, such as programs and data.
Cables
Cables carry electrical signals between the different parts of the device, allowing them to communicate with each other.
Power Supply
The power supply converts electricity from the wall outlet into a form that the digital device can use.
How Software Works

1

Instructions for Hardware
Software provides step-by-step instructions for the computer's hardware to follow.

2

Controls Device Actions
It determines what the device does, from playing games to browsing the web.
When Systems Fail
Digital Systems
  • No power = no function
  • Broken parts = system stops
Natural Systems
  • No water = plants die
  • No sunlight = no growth
Making Digital Models

1

2

3

1

Button Clicks
The model's input

2

Processing Steps
Actions the model takes

3

Screen Changes
The model's output
Digital models can show how things work in the real world.
Observing Natural Systems
1
Watch how plants grow
Observe the growth of plants, from seedlings to mature plants.
2
Notice what they need
Identify the factors that plants require for growth, such as sunlight, water, and nutrients.
3
See what they produce
Examine the fruits, flowers, or seeds that plants produce.
4
Record changes over time
Keep a journal of your observations, documenting how plants change over time.
System Feedback
Digital Systems
  • Error messages
  • Progress bars
  • Sound alerts
Natural Systems
  • Plant wilting needs water
  • Yellow leaves need nutrients
Why Systems Matter
Understanding How Things Work
Systems help us break down complex ideas into smaller, manageable parts.
Show Connections Between Parts
Systems reveal how different components interact and influence one another.
Help Solve Problems
Understanding systems allows us to identify and address issues more effectively.
Inspire New Ideas
Exploring systems can spark creativity and lead to innovative solutions.
Future of Digital Systems

1

Smarter Devices
Digital systems are becoming more intelligent and responsive.

2

More Connections
Digital systems are connecting with each other and the physical world in new ways.

3

Better Efficiency
Digital systems are becoming more efficient and sustainable.

4

New Ways to Help People
Digital systems are being used to solve problems and improve lives.
Review: Key Points
Systems have inputs, processing, and outputs.
Digital and natural systems share similarities.
Each part plays a role in the system's function.
Understanding systems helps us learn and solve problems.