Models in Science

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

2. Why are models necessary? • 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.

3. Why are models necessary? • 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.

4. Too Big or Too Small ??? #2 #1 The flu virus – TOO SMALL The solar system – TOO BIG #3 A house – TOO BIG #4 A sailing ship – TOO BIG

5. Have not been created or do not exist anymore ??? #1 A prototype (new car) #2 A dinosaur

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

7. See it! Touch it! Physical Models Miniature solar system Globe Drawing of a horse Can you see how the parts relate to one another?

8. Weather map Map of wind speed and direction Computer Models See it on a computer!

9. Idea Models e= mc2

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