1. MODELS AND HOW THE UNIVERSE BEGAN

2. ***Field Studies and Models *** Field Studies - when nature is observed in its natural state Models - using computers to make a representation of a process, idea, or structure

3. PHYSICAL MODELS A material representation of something. Can be touched, seen, or manipulated.

4. MENTAL MODELS A mental idea or a collection of ideas or facts. The thoughts you have about the topic. Examples: a mental picture of Jupiter, what you know about the White House

5. MODELS Based on: Many observations Assume things will continue to behave as they have in the past If not accurate: Changed to fit new info Discarded if they can’t be fixed (this a LAST resort!) Model of the evolution of man

6. MODELS ARE A USEFUL TOOL A tool to help: Make observations Explain how things work Make accurate predictions Think of new areas to investigate Model of climate change: blue is cold; red is hot

7. How would you make a model of: 1. Your home? 2. This classroom? 3. A dissected frog? 4. Climate change? 5. The solar system?

8. IT ALL STARTED…. With a “bang” 13.7 billion years ago, and the universe has been expanding ever since.

9. BIG BANG THEORY Mental model about the formation of the universe. Gravity caused matter to come together to form planets, stars, etc.