A model is a representation of an object or system. Models often use familiar objects or ideas that stand for other things.
Models can represent things that are very small or very large. They make the solar system viewable They make the parts of a cell viewable
Models help explain and illustrate scientific theories. Theories- an explanation for an idea that has been explained through testing. Theory of Plate Tectonics- a plate tectonic model can help illustrate how the plates move about the earth’s surface and changing it’s appearance
ALL models have limitations!!! Limitations are ways that the model is NOT exactly like the real thing. A globe is a model of the earth, however a globe is made of paper, has colors, and is light weight.
Models that look like the real thing they model, but they have limitations. Examples: model airplanes, maps, dolls, model volcanoes Dolls have limitations- it looks like a baby, but it does not act like a baby
Model made of mathematical equations and data Simple Examples: models that allow you to calculate the speed of a car, how much you would weigh on the moon Complex Examples: predict the population of the US in 10 years
Conceptual Models are systems of ideas or models that make comparisons Example: Classifying living things based on what they have in common, classifying rocks by what they have in common