Scientific Modeling

In Science, what is a model?

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

What type of model is shown in the first video?

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

Which of the following is true about how scientists use models?

• Models enable predictions to be developed and tested by experiment.

• Models are just fancy versions of the real thing, like an airplane.

• Models are always pretty and easy to understand.

• Models aren't used by scientists, just observations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

Because models can change and be updated, we say that scientific models are:

• tentative

• fixed

• never changing

Why might a scientist want to build a 3-D model?

• to move it around

• to help to see multiple angles to understand how something works

• to show off their computer programming skills

• because they are pretty and will WOW their fellow scientists with fancy pictures

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

Why would a model of the Earth's climate be useful?

• It helps to inform politicians who make laws and can effect how much carbon dioxide is put into the atmosphere.

• It gives many people in the public a chance to argue with scientists about what is wrong with the weather.

• It shows that weather patterns fluctuate all of the time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why might scientists want to use a model of a fish population to manage fisheries?

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What is a question that a scientist might ask of a model?

• Does everyone like my model?

• Does the model look like the "real world"?

• Does the model fit the data we know?

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

Define "ground-truthing".