Is it a Set? Or is it a System?

You Decide!

Purpose

To enhance your understanding of what constitutes a system.

Overview

In this exercise, will undertake a simple activity consisting of making two lists, analyzing the two lists, and answering questions based on your analysis of the lists

Action Items

1. Make two lists:

• Name one list "SET," and the other list "SYSTEMS."
• Write out several entries under each title.
• For example, write down the set of ingredients to make a cake. Then write down in the other list what to do to mix and bake them so that they transform into a system.
• For another example, write down the set of your favorite football players. Then write down on the other list what they must do to transform into a football team.

1. Compile the two lists of several entries each into a table where each row contains a set and its corresponding system
2. Answer the following questions, based on an analysis of your sets and systems as shown in your table:

• What distinguishes a set from a system, and the converse?
• What happens to transform a set into a system?
• What happens to change a system into a set?