Models in Science Why are models necessary? Why are models necessary? Types of models Types of models How are models used? How are models used?

Why are models necessary? Just as you can take many different paths to school, you can test a hypothesis in many ways. Just as you can take many different paths to school, you can test a hypothesis in many ways. In science, a model is a representation of an object or event. It helps us to understand the natural world. In science, a model is a representation of an object or event. It helps us to understand the natural world.

Why are models necessary? Models help you picture things in your mind that are difficult to see or understand. Models help you picture things in your mind that are difficult to see or understand. Models can be of things too big or too small to see. They can be of things that do not exist or have not been created. Models can be of things too big or too small to see. They can be of things that do not exist or have not been created.

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 not exist anymore ??? #1 #2 A dinosaur A prototype (new car)

Types of Models Physical models – you can see and touch them Physical models – you can see and touch them Computer models – they are built with computer software Computer models – they are built with computer software Idea models – they are ideas about how the world works Idea models – they are ideas about how the world works

Physical Models Can you see how the parts relate to one another? GlobeDrawing of a horse Miniature solar system

Computer Models Map of wind speed and direction Weather map

Idea Models e= mc 2

How are models used? To communicate observations and ideas To communicate observations and ideas To test predictions To test predictions To save time, money, and lives To save time, money, and lives