 A model is a representation of an object or system.  Models often use familiar objects or ideas that stand for other things.

 Models can represent things that are very small or very large.  They make the solar system viewable  They make the parts of a cell viewable

 Models help explain and illustrate scientific theories.  Theories- an explanation for an idea that has been explained through testing.  Theory of Plate Tectonics- a plate tectonic model can help illustrate how the plates move about the earth’s surface and changing it’s appearance

 ALL models have limitations!!!  Limitations are ways that the model is NOT exactly like the real thing.  A globe is a model of the earth, however a globe is made of paper, has colors, and is light weight.

 Models that look like the real thing they model, but they have limitations.  Examples: model airplanes, maps, dolls, model volcanoes  Dolls have limitations- it looks like a baby, but it does not act like a baby

 Model made of mathematical equations and data  Simple Examples: models that allow you to calculate the speed of a car, how much you would weigh on the moon  Complex Examples: predict the population of the US in 10 years

 Conceptual Models are systems of ideas or models that make comparisons  Example: Classifying living things based on what they have in common, classifying rocks by what they have in common