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Introducing Planet Earth
Introducing Planet Earth

Systems within Systems within Systems

We use the word "system" when we want to describe something that is made up of different kinds of parts that join together to form an interconnected whole. Learning to think in terms of systems is very useful because we are surrounded by all sorts of systems. In fact, each of us is our own little system.

Activity
Check out EXPLORING SYSTEMS, an activity that you can do at home, in community centers, or in school!

Systems have two important features:

  • each part of a system can itself be described as a system;
  • a system can be very different from its parts.
Earth is Whole
Systems within Systems within Systems
The Earth System
Earth's Matter
Earth's Energy
Earth's Life
Three Principles
Book Overview