1. Scientific Models
Section 3

2. Types of Scientific Models
Models are a pattern, plan, representation or description designed to show the structure or working of an object, system or concept
Models help us understand
Explain or analyze concepts
Represent things too small or too large
Explain past or the present; predict the future
3 major types of models

3. Physical Model Models you can touch Look like the real thing
Do have limitations
Look like but are not the real thing

4. Mathematical Models
Models are made up of mathematical equations and data
Simple models – formula for how fast a car goes
Complex models (computer) – population growth

5. Conceptual Model Model of system of ideas Big Bang Theory
Continental drift
System of ideas and hypothesis
Supported through the scientific method

6. Choosing the Right Model
Models are used to explain scientific theories
A theory is an explanation that ties together many hypothesis and observations
A theory can not only explain an observation, but predict the future

7. Scientists use models to help guide or search for new information
Information scientists gather by using models can help support a theory or show it to be wrong
Models can be changed or replaced

8. Climate Model
Scientists who study the Earth’s atmosphere have developed mathematical climate models
Models have lots of data
Levels of Carbon dioxide
Land and ocean temperatures
Cloud types and cloud cover
Snow and ice cover
Ocean currents

9. These mathematical models don’t make exact predictions about future climates, but they do make estimates
Examples
Global warming
Ice Age