Physci 3.3

Scientific Models​

Chapter 3
Lesson 3

What is a scientific model?

A model is a tool that scientists use to show how something works or looks.

it's important to remember that a model does not show everything about what it represents. This is because models will always have some differences from the real object or process.

Multiple Choice

A ______ is a tool that scientists use to show how something works or looks.

• replica

• observation

• experiment

• model

Multiple Choice

Models will never have some differences from the real object or process.

• True

• False

What is a scientific model?

There are three main types of scientific models:

1. Physical Models: These are actual objects that you can touch and see, like a globe representing Earth.

2.Mathematical Models: These use numbers and equations to describe how things work, such as predicting the weather.

3.Conceptual Models: These are ideas or diagrams that explain how something works, like a flowchart showing the water cycle.

Multiple Choice

Which model uses numbers and equations to describe how things work?

• Physical

• Conceptual

• Mathematical

Multiple Choice

Which model are actual objects that you can touch and see?

• Physical

• Conceptual

• Mathematical

Multiple Choice

Which model are ideas or diagrams that explain how something works?

• Physical

• Conceptual

• Mathematical

​Physical Models

​A physical model is something you can see and touch. These models can help you learn about things that are too small or too large to see clearly.

Mathematical Models

A mathematical model is a way to use math to represent real-world situations. It consists of mathematical equations and data, but you can't see it like you can see a physical model. Instead, you use it to understand how things work and to make predictions.

​Conceptual Models

Conceptual models are used to help explain ideas. They are systems of many ideas. 

Scientific Theories

Models are tools that help us understand scientific theories. In science, a theory explains a lot of different ideas and observations. Theories are backed by many tests and observations. They tell us why something happens and can also predict what might happen in the future.

Scientific Law

When scientists observe many experiments and find that a model accurately predicts the results, they can create a scientific law. In science, a law is a summary of various experimental results and observations. It explains how things happen.

​It's important to note that a law is different from a theory. A law tells you what happens, but it does not explain why it happens.

Multiple Choice

Which one is where scientists observe many experiments and find that a model accurately predicts the results?

• Scientific Theories

• Scientific Law