Mater Gardens Middle School Mr. Capo Models in Science Mater Gardens Middle School Mr. Capo

What is a Scientific Model? Scientific Models are representations of an object or idea and are used as tools to understand the natural world. A model is used to represent things that are either too large or too small to see. They can also be of things that can’t be seen because they don’t exist anymore. It can represent something that hasn’t been created yet.

Types of Models Physical Model- a model that you can see and touch. Example: globes, model of a solar system, or a cell model. Computer Model- is built using computer software. Computer models can model an event, motions or positions of things (think solar system). Computer models also predict the weather.

Idea Model- A model that shows what someone is thinking or a theory. Albert Einstein is famous for his theory of relativity, which involves the relationship between matter and energy. One of the most famous models Einstein used what the theory for the mathematical equation E=MC2. This means that mass can be changed into energy. This could never be built as a physical model because it is just an idea.

The more information the scientist have the better and more realistic the model will look. Not all models are viewed as scientific. We use models every day such as maps, recipes, and globes. We can also use computer models to try and locate missing children by aging the photograph.

Models Communicate- Scientist often use models to communicate their ideas. A model helps others to understand ideas. Models test Predictions- Some models are used to test predictions. The military will often test a model of an engine or an aircraft before making the actual aircraft. Models save time, money and lives- Using a model is safer and less expensive than using the real thing. For example: crash test dummies.

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Model Limitations Models have their limitations- The solar system is too large to be viewed all at once. We can get an idea of what the solar system looks like by seeing bits and pieces. Models also change. As we learn more the models must change to reflect the new findings.