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Scientific Models

Scientific Models. Chapter 1 Section 3. I can describe how a model is used to represent the natural world. I can identify three types of scientific models. I can describe a theory . I can describe a law. Scientific Models.

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Scientific Models

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  1. Scientific Models Chapter 1 Section 3

  2. I can describe how a model is used to represent the natural world. • I can identify three types of scientific models. • I can describe a theory. • I can describe a law.

  3. Scientific Models • A representation of an object of system is called a model or prototype • Scientific models are based upon experiments that tell us how one variable relates to another • There are three types of scientific models • Scientists are constantly trying to create better models to explain their theories

  4. Physical Model • Can be looked at, touched, and we can take measurements from it. Example – a scale model • Some look like the thing they are modeling • Some act somewhat like the thing they model

  5. Mathematical Models • Made up of mathematical equations and data • Some mathematical models are simple such as force = mass x acceleration • Others are so complex that only computers can handle them. http://www.shodor.org/featured/DiseaseModel/applet/

  6. Conceptual Model • Used to describe how something works • Some are a system of ideas • Others are based on making comparisons with familiar things to help illustrate or explain an idea Example: Big Bang Theory

  7. Uses of Models • Represent things that are too small to see with the naked eye • Represent things that are too large to see with human eye • Help illustrate and explain scientific theories • Models are changed or replaced as theories change

  8. Models Build Scientific Knowledge • A theory is a unifying explanation for a broad range of hypothesis and observations that have been supported • by testing • Models can be used to help support a theory or show it • to be wrong • Remember models change as theories change • If something holds true through many experimental • results and observations it becomes a scientific law. • A law tells you what happens, not why it happens • A law holds true every time you perform the experiment

  9. A law states what happens. Scientific Law vs. Scientific Theory A theory tries to explain why or how something happens. Law of Gravity Theory of Gravity Atomic Theory Collision Theory of Reactions

  10. Charles’s Law V1 V2 T1 T2 = Scientific Law Laws of nature never change. Observations Scientific Law Experiments

  11. Theory vs. Natural Law Scientific theory Natural law analyze additional data Hypothesis analyze initial observations Experiment

  12. Make observation Scientific Method Ask question Develop hypothesis Test hypothesis with an experiment Test hypothesis with further experiments Revise hypothesis Analyze data and draw conclusions Hypothesis IS supported Hypothesis is NOT supported Develop theory Wysession, Frank, Yancopoulos, Physical Science Concepts in Action, 2004, page 8

  13. FORMULATING HYPOTHESES PUBLISH RESULTS OBSERVING TESTING THEORIZING • organizing and • analyzing data • classifying • inferring • predicting • communicating • communicating • predicting • experimenting • communicating • collecting data • measuring • constructing • models • predicting • communicating • collecting data • measuring • experimenting • communicating Results confirmed by other scientists – validatetheory. Data do not support hypothesis – revise or reject hypothesis Stages In The Scientific Method

  14. Theories and Laws The Earth is flat… Speeding kills (Audubon, Germany); • seat belts save lives… • LAW: 65 mph and wear seat belt • No explanation of why…but the theory is if you drive at 120 mph and crash, an ambulance won’t need to be called (only next of kin).

  15. Why Dinosaurs Disappeared A theory… Sun blocked Dinosaurs Earth Meteor Dust Cloud Evidence… Ice Age - Glaciers RIP Meteor Crater Moon is formed

  16. Scientific Method and Law

  17. I can describe how a model is used to represent the natural world. • I can identify three types of scientific models. • I can describe a theory. • I can describe a law.

  18. Scientific Tool For Today • Today you will learn how to accurately measure length • Measured in meters (usually in centimeters) • Measured with a ruler, meter stick, or measuring tape Video

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