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=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.