Models in Science SWBAT describe various types of models; discuss limitations of models

How Can Models Help us?  Model  Any representation of an object or an event used as a tool for understanding the natural world.  A real life representation that helps us:  Visualize complex concepts  Visualize things too small or too large to see.  Visualize things that are too fast or too slow to see

Types of Models TypeDescriptionUse Physical Computer Idea Model you can touch and see Built using computer software Describes how someone thinks about something Shows how things appear when they change position or react to forces. Shows motion/positions of things; can be used to make predictions Helps people understand abstract concepts.

Using Models  Models communicate  Sometimes it’s easier to communicate using visuals.  Models test predictions  Save time, money and lives  Test dummies  Training

Limitations of Models  Represent human theories  Can be wrong  Not perfect  Sometimes they change