1. Newton's First Law of Motion Grade 6 Unit 1 : Lesson #3
Models in Science
Grade 6
Unit 1 : Lesson #3
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.

2. Newton's First Law of Motion
What you’ll learn
Vocabulary:
Model
Understand the different types of models.
Discuss the limitations of models.
Why it is important?
Models can be used to understand difficult concepts.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.

3. Newton's First Law of Motion
Model
Model is a representation of an object or an event which can be used as a tool for understanding the natural world. It is one of the ways to test a hypothesis.
Models help us visualize things that are difficult to see or understand. They can be of things that are too small or too big to see. They also can be of things that cannot be seen because they no longer exist or have not been created yet.
For example: Models of the solar system, cells in the human body and dinosaur help scientists visualize and study complex things and things that cannot be seen. 3 3
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 3

4. Try this! What is true about models?
Model is a representation of an object or an event which can be used as a tool for understanding the natural world.
A model cannot be used test a hypothesis.
Models help us visualize things that are difficult to see or understand.
All of the above.
A and C
Answer: E
Answer: E
Reason: Model is a representation of an object or an event which can be used as a tool for understanding the natural world. They help us visualize things that are difficult to see or understand. 4
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 4

5. Types of models Models can fall into 3 basic types: 1. Physical model
Newton's First Law of Motion
Types of models
Models can fall into 3 basic types:
1. Physical model
2. Computer model
3. Idea model
Depending on the reason a model is needed, scientists can choose to use one
or more than one type of a model. 5 5
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 5

6. Try this! Name the three types of models.
Answer: Physical model, Computer model and Idea model.
Answer: Physical model, Computer model and Idea model. 6
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 6

7. Physical models Physical models are the models that can be
seen and touched.
Examples of physical model include things
such as a globe of the Earth, a replica of the
inside of an animal cell, a table top solar
system or a gumdrop-toothpick model of a
chemical compound.
Physical models show how the actual parts of a system are related to one another. They also show how things appear when they change position or how they react when an external force acts on them.
For example: Good coaches will simulate the kinds
of plays another team uses in practice to prepare
the players. This is a type of a physical model. 7
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 7

8. Try this! Models that can be seen and touched are known as ______
Answer: Physical models
Answer: Physical models 8
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 8

9. Computer model take many hours and days to calculate even by
Newton's First Law of Motion
Computer model
The computer models are built using computer software. Although they cannot be touched, we can view them on a computer screen.
Computer models can model events that take place very quickly or take a long time to be seen.
For example: A computer can model the movement
of large plates in the earth and can predict earthquakes.
The motions and positions of things that would
take many hours and days to calculate even by
using a calculator can be easily modeled using computers.
For example: A weather map is a computer model
showing weather patterns over large areas. This
information can be used to predict the weather
and alert people regarding potentially dangerous
weather conditions. 9 9
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 9

10. Try this! What can computer models do?
Answer: Computer models can model events that take place very quickly or take a long time to be seen.
Answer: Computer models can model events that take place very quickly or take a long time to be seen. 10
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 10

11. Newton's First Law of Motion
Idea model
Idea models are ideas or concepts that describe how someone thinks about something in the natural world.
For example: Sir. Albert Einstein is famous for his theory of relativity, which describes the relationship between matter and energy. Einstein used the mathematical equation E=mc2 to explain his theory, which is one of the most famous models. This explain that the mass m, can be changed to energy E. Einstein’s idea models could never have been built as a physical model as they were basically only ideas. 11 11
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 11

12. Try this!
Which model can be used to describe how someone thinks about something in the natural world?
Answer: Idea model
Answer: Idea model 12
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 12

13. Try this! Computer models are built using _________
Answer: Computer software
Answer: Computer software 13
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 13

14. Making models The process of making a model is similar to sketching.
Newton's First Law of Motion
Making models
The process of making a model is similar to sketching.
For example: A sketch artist tries to draw a picture from the description given. The more detailed the description, the better will be the final sketch. The sketch artist can make the sketch based on more than one person’s observation. The final sketch is not a photograph, but if the information provided is accurate, the sketch should look realistic.
The more information a scientist gathers, the more accurate a model will be. 14 14
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 14

15. Try this!
If the information provided to a scientist is very minimal, can a model built using the information be accurate?
Answer: No
Answer: No
Reason: The more information a scientist gathers, the more accurate a model will be. 15
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 15

16. Visualizing the modeling of King Tutankhamun
Newton's First Law of Motion
Visualizing the modeling of King Tutankhamun
King Tutankhamun ruled over Egypt more than 3000 years ago. His reign was short and he died at a very young age when he was just 18 years. His mummified body was discovered in 1922 and the scientists recreated the face of this most famous Egyptian king in 1983.
The most familiar image of the face of the King Tut-
the gold funerary mask that was found covering the
skeletal face.
A scientist used X-rays and measurements to create
a cast of the young king’s skull. Depth markers were glued
into the skull to indicate the likely thickness of muscle and other tissue.
Clay was used to fill in the area between the markers.
The features were sculpted next. Eyelids were fashioned over inlaid prosthetic, or artificial eyes.
When the model of Kind Tut’s face was completed, the long-dead ruler seemed to come to life. 16 16
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 16

17. Newton's First Law of Motion
Using models
All models are not used for scientific purposes. Models are used to:
Communicate observations and ideas to other people: It is easier to communicate ideas by making a model instead of writing the idea in words. Others too can visualize the idea by looking at the model.
Test predictions: Models can be used to test predictions. Automobile and airplane engineers use wind tunnels to test predictions about their products’ interaction with air.
Save Time, Money and Lives: Working with and testing a model can be safer and less expensive when compared to using a real thing.
Example 1: Wind tunnels can be used to test new
airplane designs or changes made to existing airplanes.
Example 2: NASA has built a special airplane to help train
astronauts in the conditions they will encounter in space.
This airplane flies in an arc that creates a condition of
weightlessness for 20 to 25 seconds. It is easier, safer and
less expensive to make several trips in the airplane when
compared to making a trip into space. 17 17
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 17

18. Try this! What are the uses of models?
Answer: Models can be used to communicate ideas, test predictions and save time, money and lives.
Answer: Models can be used to communicate ideas, test predictions and save time, money and lives. 18
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 18

19. Newton's First Law of Motion
Limitation of models
Models are made to understand the solar system, which is too huge to be viewed all at once. Many years ago, scientists were under the impression that the Earth was the center of the universe and the sky was a blanket that covered the planet.
Later through observations, it was discovered that the objects seen in the sky were the Sun, the moon, stars and other planets. This new model explained the solar system in a different way. Earth still remained in the center of the universe, but everything else orbited it.
Still later, through more observations, it was discovered that the Sun was the center of the solar system. Earth, along with the other planets, orbited around the Sun. In addition, it was discovered that other planets also had moons that orbited around them. A new model was developed to show this.
Models of the solar system built earlier were not meant to be misleading. These
models were built by the scientists with whatever information they had. More
importantly their models gave the future scientists information to build upon. All
models are not necessarily perfect, but they provide a visual tool to learn from. 19 19
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 19

20. Fun facts!
A topographic map is a basic type of map used to represent an area of land. It shows the natural features of the land in addition to artificial features such as political boundaries.
Pilots and astronauts receive most of their critical flight training without ever leaving the ground. They use complicated, realistic flight simulators that allow them to practice emergency procedures without risking an accident in the air.
A star chart is a type of physical model used to make predictions of the night sky on different days of the year. 20 20

21. Newton's First Law of Motion
Summary
Model is a representation of an object or an event which can be used as a tool for understanding the natural world. It is one of the ways to test a hypothesis.
Models can fall into 3 basic types: Physical model, Computer model and Idea model.
Physical models are the models that can be seen and touched. 21
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 21

22. Newton's First Law of Motion
Summary
The computer models are built using computer software. Although they cannot be touched, we can view them on a computer screen.
Computer models can model events that take place very quickly or take a long time to be seen.
Idea models are ideas or concepts that describe how someone thinks about something in the natural world. 22
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 22

23. Newton's First Law of Motion
Summary
The process of making a model is similar to sketching. The more information a scientist gathers, the more accurate a model will be.
All models are not used for scientific purposes. Models can be used to communicate ideas, test predictions, and save time, money and lives.
Models give the future scientists information to build upon. All models are not necessarily perfect, but they provide a visual tool to learn from. 23
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 23

24. Critical thinking activity
Newton's First Law of Motion
Critical thinking activity
What type of model would most likely be used in classrooms to help young children learn science. Explain.
Notes: Physical models are most likely to be used in classrooms as they can be seen and touched. Young children can understand physical models without knowing how to read or use a computer. 24 24
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 24

25. Newton's First Law of Motion
Assessment
An airplane model is an example of what type of model?
Physical
Computer
Idea
Mental
Answer: A
Answer: A
Reason: An airplane model is an example of physical model. 25
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 25

26. Newton's First Law of Motion
Assessment
Using a computer to create a three dimensional picture of a building is an example of which of the following?
Hypothesis
Constant
Theory
Model
Answer: D
Answer: D
Reason: Using a computer to create a three dimensional picture of a building is an example of a model. 26
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 26

27. Newton's First Law of Motion
Assessment
Explain the relationship between a model and a system
Answer: A model is any representation of an event or an object. A system is a collection of processes, cycles and structures. We can make a model based on a system.
Answer: A model is any representation of an event or an object. A system is a collection of processes, cycles and structures. We can make a model of a system. 27
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 27

28. Newton's First Law of Motion
Assessment
Which type of model can be used to model weather? How is it used?
Answer: A computer model can be used to model weather. It can be used to make weather predictions and look for weather patterns.
Answer: A computer model can be used to model weather. It can be used to make weather predictions and look for weather patterns. 28
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 28

29. Newton's First Law of Motion
Assessment
How can models be used to learn science?
Answer: Models can be used to study things that are big or small, take a long time to happen or occur very quickly, and to make predictions.
Answer: Models can be used to study things that are big or small, take a long time to happen or occur very quickly, and to make predictions. 29
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 29

30. Newton's First Law of Motion
Assessment
How are models used in product testing services to ensure the safety of the final products?
Answer: Models can be used to tell how much weight a ladder could hold without breaking, or at what speed a car crash would cause the most damage.
Answer: Models can be used to tell how much weight a ladder could hold without breaking, or at what speed a car crash would cause the most damage. 30 30
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 30

31. Newton's First Law of Motion
Assessment
Draw a table to describe the three types of models, their advantages and limitations.
Type of model
Physical model
Computer model
Idea model
Description
Physical models are the models that can be seen and touched.
Computer models can model events that take place very quickly or take a long time to be seen.
Idea models are ideas or concepts that describe how someone thinks about something in the natural world.
Advantages
Can be seen and touched.
Can show slow or fast changes, can run many times.
Can show relationships between abstract concepts.
Limitations
Can take a while to make, difficult to modify.
Cannot show spatial relations very well.
Can be hard to understand. 31 31
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 31

32. Newton's First Law of Motion
Assessment
The relationship between mass and gravity can be represented using which type of model?
Physical
Computer
Idea
Mental
Answer: C
Answer: C
Reason: The relationship between mass and gravity can be represented using idea model. 32 32
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 32

33. Assessment How are sketches like scientific models?
Newton's First Law of Motion
Assessment
How are sketches like scientific models?
Answer: The more detailed the information used to make the model or the sketch, the better it will be.
Answer: The more detailed the information used to make the model or the sketch, the better it will be. 33 33
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 33

34. Newton's First Law of Motion
Assessment
Which type of model can be used to represent how the landscape of the Earth has changed over time?
Physical
Computer
Idea
Mental
Answer: A
Answer: A
Reason: A physical model can be used to show how the landscape of the Earth has changed over time. 34 34
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc. 34

35. Practice Make a model of the classroom. 35
Notes: The model must have pictures of the class room. Paper cut outs or blocks can be used to represent different classroom structures. 35 35

36. Thank You! 36
Copyright © Ed2Net Learning, Inc.