Scientific Models
What will we do today? We will
explore how scientists use different
kinds of models to represent the
real world.
Discuss with your neighbor: How
can a model of a cell help scientists
understand the function of a cell?
Models and Not Models?
Is it a model?
Look at your picture.
Discuss with your table:
Claim: Is it a model?
Evidence: What details from the
picture support your claim?
Be prepared to share your claim and
evidence with the class.
Why do Scientists use models?
To answer difficult questions
To represent complex systems
To test new ideas
To make predictions
Types of Scientific models
Physical models
Mathematical models
Conceptual models
Simulations
Types of Scientific models
Physical models
Scale models
Life size models
easier and safer to work with but
not always like the real thing
Types of Scientific models
Mathematical models
Mathematical equations and
graphs
Chemical formulas and equations
Types of Scientific models
Conceptual models
Represents how parts of a system
are related or organized
Represents processes that can’t
be directly observed
Types of Scientific models
Simulations
Can test designs in a controlled
environment
Can test designs in a safer, less
expensive way
Mathematical models
use numbers and
A physical model
equations to
represents an object
represent the way a
or system.
system or process
works.
A simulation uses a
A conceptual model
model to imitate the
shows how parts of a
function, behavior, or
system are related or
process of the thing it
organized.
represents.
Water Molecules
The little spheres represent
water molecules.
Molecules are in constant motion.
The attractions water molecules have for
each other keep them close together.
They can move past each other but their
attractions keep them from moving far
apart from each other
Vehicle Drawing Modification
How can your group modify your
drawing into a Scientific Model?
Show how the marble is transported
Show the force that is applied to the
vehicle
Add an exploded view to your
scientific model to explain a
process
Scientific Models
What will we do today? We will
explore how scientists use different
kinds of models to represent the
real world.
Discuss with your neighbor: How
can a model of a cell help scientists
understand the function of a cell?
Models and Not Models?
Is it a model?
Look at your picture.
Discuss with your table:
Claim: Is it a model?
Evidence: What details from the
picture support your claim?
Be prepared to share your claim and
evidence with the class.
Why do Scientists use models?
To answer difficult questions
To represent complex systems
To test new ideas
To make predictions
Types of Scientific models
Physical models
Mathematical models
Conceptual models
Simulations
Types of Scientific models
Physical models
Scale models
Life size models
easier and safer to work with but
not always like the real thing
Types of Scientific models
Mathematical models
Mathematical equations and
graphs
Chemical formulas and equations
Types of Scientific models
Conceptual models
Represents how parts of a system
are related or organized
Represents processes that can’t
be directly observed
Types of Scientific models
Simulations
Can test designs in a controlled
environment
Can test designs in a safer, less
expensive way
Mathematical models
use numbers and
A physical model
equations to
represents an object
represent the way a
or system.
system or process
works.
A simulation uses a
A conceptual model
model to imitate the
shows how parts of a
function, behavior, or
system are related or
process of the thing it
organized.
represents.
Water Molecules
The little spheres represent
water molecules.
Molecules are in constant motion.
The attractions water molecules have for
each other keep them close together.
They can move past each other but their
attractions keep them from moving far
apart from each other
Vehicle Drawing Modification
How can your group modify your
drawing into a Scientific Model?
Show how the marble is transported
Show the force that is applied to the
vehicle
Add an exploded view to your
scientific model to explain a
process