Scientific Models

Mathematical Models

  • Quantitatively represent relationships, patterns, and behaviors.
  • Use equations.
  • Based on observations, theories, and measurements.
  • Contain numbers, characters, letters, and symbols.
  • Example: Newton's second law of motion: F=maF=ma.
    • Describes the relationship among mass, acceleration, and force.

Computer Models

  • Use computer software to simulate complex systems.
  • Highly mathematical.
  • Involve complex processing of data.
  • Widely used in all fields of science.
  • Example: Simulating the behavior of atoms and molecules in chemistry.

Consensus Models

  • Extensively tested and generally accepted by the scientific community.
  • Example: The Big Bang Model.

Scientific Models

  • Representations of concepts, systems, or ideas.
  • Take many forms:
    • 3D objects
    • 2D objects
    • Diagrams
    • Mathematical equations
    • Computer simulations
  • Made from established scientific knowledge and observed patterns.
  • Allow the prediction of patterns in different conditions or scenarios.
  • Help explain and understand processes, phenomena, and ideas that are not commonly observed or easily imagined.
  • Allow scientists to test ideas and predict outcomes that cannot be easily done in the real world.
  • Allow them to test the validity of other existing models.

Categories of Scientific Models

  • Physical Models
    • Tangible objects that help one understand a concept or process.
    • 3D copy of an original object that matches its characteristics, such as shape.
    • Can represent an abstract idea.
    • Can be life-size replicas or scale models.
      • Scale models are smaller than the original objects but otherwise identical.
    • Examples:
      • Globe represents Earth.
      • Model of the human skeletal system.
  • Conceptual Models
    • Representations that make use of familiar objects or expressions to present a concept or an abstract and complicated idea.
    • Also considered as mental models.
    • Example: Particle model of matter: uses round particles to represent the composition of matter to explain their observable properties.
    • Some present a system of ideas that show general relationships.
      • Example: Taxonomic classification of organisms, which shows the hierarchical groupings of organisms.
    • Expressed Models
      • Expressed through writing, speech, or action.
        • Examples: Diagrams and flowcharts.
        • Flowcharts are structured diagrams of complex processes or scenarios that show key concepts, variables, and their relationships using arrows and shapes.
        • Some flowcharts show decision options and corresponding outcomes in a process.