Models in ScienceModels in Science

Why are models necessary?Why are models necessary?Types of modelsTypes of modelsHow are models used?How are models used?

Why are models necessary?Why are models necessary?

Just as you can take many different Just as you can take many different paths to school, you can test a paths to school, you can test a hypothesis in many ways.hypothesis in many ways.

In science, a model is a In science, a model is a representation of an object or event. representation of an object or event. It helps us to understand the natural It helps us to understand the natural world. world.

Why are models necessary?Why are models necessary?

Models help you picture things in Models help you picture things in your mind that are difficult to see or your mind that are difficult to see or understand.understand.

Models can be of things too big or Models can be of things too big or too small to see. They can be of too small to see. They can be of things that do not exist or have not things that do not exist or have not been created.been created.

Too Big or Too Small ???Too Big or Too Small ???#1 #2

#3#4

The solar system – TOO

BIG

The flu virus – TOO SMALL

A sailing ship – TOO BIG

A house – TOO BIG

Have not been created or do Have not been created or do not exist anymore ???not exist anymore ???

#1

#2

A dinosaur

A prototype (new car)

Types of ModelsTypes of Models

Physical models – you can see and Physical models – you can see and touch themtouch them

Computer models – they are built Computer models – they are built with computer softwarewith computer software

Idea models – they are ideas about Idea models – they are ideas about how the world workshow the world works

Physical ModelsPhysical Models

Can you see how the parts relate to one another?

Globe Drawing of a horse

Miniature solar system

Computer ModelsComputer Models

Map of wind speed and direction

Weather map

Idea ModelsIdea Models

e= mc2

How are models used?How are models used?

To communicate observations and ideasTo communicate observations and ideas

To test predictions To test predictions

To save time, money, and livesTo save time, money, and lives