Exploring How Systems Work in Nature and Machines

Next Generation Science

This educational video provides a comprehensive introduction to the concept of "systems" in science, suitable for upper elementary and middle school students. It defines a system as a whole made up of independent parts that work together to perform a specific function. Through clear analogies—such as a robot dog, a bicycle, a sports team, and an orchestra—the narrator illustrates how individual components must cooperate for the entire system to succeed, and how the failure of a single part can disrupt the whole. The video explores both biological and mechanical systems in detail. It breaks down the human body into its major subsystems (respiratory, digestive, circulatory, skeletal, and muscular), explaining the specific role of each and how they rely on one another to keep a person alive. It then transitions to plant biology, visualizing the root and shoot systems, including the specialized transport tissues of xylem and phloem. Finally, it touches upon man-made systems like electrical circuits and green energy technologies. Teachers can use this video as a foundational tool to introduce the Crosscutting Concept of "Systems and System Models" found in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). It effectively bridges the gap between visible, mechanical systems (like a bike chain) and abstract biological processes (like nutrient transport in plants), making complex ideas accessible. The visuals allow for pause-and-discuss moments regarding anatomy, engineering, and the interdependence of components within any structure.