Observations Models

Using Models

by Mrs. Ojerio

​Scientific Models represent the natural world

Reasons for Using Models:

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​​1. Illustrate scientific ideas and theories

​2. Make predictions and explain observations

​3. Study things that are too small, fast, slow, or dangerous to observe directly

​4. Save time and money

​Conceptual Models: mental images or ideas

​Example Conceptual Models of the Earth:

​

• ​Could be a simple diagram like the top picture

• ​Could be a comparison with something familiar like the peach

​Physical Models: models you can see and touch

Examples:

​

• ​Model of the human brain

• ​Detailed diagrams

• ​A map

​Mathematical Models: use numbers, equations, or calculations to represent something

Examples:

​

• ​Mass = density x volume

• ​force = mass x distance

​Computer Models: used for very complex systems

Examples:

​

• ​Computer program that analyzes data about the atmosphere displays the results of calculations at different points in time

Multiple Choice

Match the scenario to the correct type of model that should be used: Using modeling clay to make a model of a volcano.

• Conceptual

• Mathematical

• Physical

• Computer

Multiple Choice

Match the scenario to the correct type of model that should be used: Using a computer to show weather trends.

• Conceptual

• Mathematical

• Physical

• Computer

Multiple Choice

Match the scenario to the correct type of model that should be used: Comparing the structure of an atom to the solar system

• Conceptual

• Mathematical

• Physical

• Computer

Multiple Choice

Match the scenario to the correct type of model that should be used: Using math to calculate the final velocity of a sky diver.

• Conceptual

• Mathematical

• Physical

• Computer

​Scale Models: shows correct relative sizes and distances

Example:

• ​​The first picture is a scale model because the people and buildings are the correct sizes relative to one another.

• ​The second picture is NOT a scale model because, compared with the people, the airplane is much smaller than real life.

​Ratio in Scale Models

• ​Used to compare measurements in real life with measurements in the scale model.

• For example in a model that has a ratio of 1:5 scale, 1 meter in the model represents 5 meters in real life.

​Practice Scenario:

This scale model of a research boat and its environment has a ratio of 1:200. These are the measurements in real life:

• ​Water is 9 meters deep

• ​Boat is 11 meters long

• ​Distance between boat and hill is 5.4 meters.

​Practice Scenario:

What are the measurements in the model?

​

• ​Water: 9 meters/200 = 0.045 meters

• ​Boat: 11 meters/200 = 0.055 meters

• ​Distance between boat and underwater hill: 5.4 meters/200 = 0.027 meters

Multiple Choice

A student builds a model of a town. The model's scale is 1:48. Distance between School and Library in real life is 18.0 meters. The distance in the model would be 

• 0.375 m

• 2.6 m

• 30 m

• 864 m

Multiple Choice

A student builds a model of a town. The model's scale is 1:48. Distance between Grocery store and city hall in the model is 1.2 meters. The distance in real life would be 

• 0.025 m

• 46.8 m

• 49.2 m

• 57.6 m

Multiple Choice

A student builds a model of a town. The model's scale is 1:48. Distance between Post office and park in real life is 9.6 meters. The distance in the model would be 

• 0.2 m

• 38.8 m

• 57.6 m

• 460.8 m

All Models will have limitations!

​Possible Limitations

Scale: may be difficult to model distance and size at the same time.

​

​EX) The scale of a model of the solar system is limited by the huge differences in the sizes of its parts.

​Possible Limitations

Size: may be difficult to model details given size and space constraints

​

​EX) The ability of a globe to show details of Earth's surface is limited by its size.

​Possible Limitations

Materials: may be difficult to model structure and function at the same time.

​

​EX) The ability of a physical model to show functions of a human body organs is limited by the materials of the model.

​Possible Limitations

Properties: may be difficult to model motion with certain types of models.

​

​EX) A drawing of the nature of a gas is limited by its ability to show the true properties of gas particles.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence identifies a limitation of a ball-and-stick model like the one shown?

• Atoms can bond with one another to form new substances.

• Scientists sometimes use ball-and-stick models to represent bonded atoms.

• Ball-and-stick models help show the structure of matter.

• Ball-and-stick models do not show all the details that we know about the structure of atoms.