Lesson 1: Introduction to Scientific Models Lesson 1: Introduction to Scientific Models

 Scientific models are representations of objects, systems or events and  Scientific models are representations of objects, systems or events and
are used as tools for understanding the natural world. are used as tools for understanding the natural world.
 Models use familiar objects to represent unfamiliar things.  Models use familiar objects to represent unfamiliar things.
 Models can help you visualize, or picture in your mind, something that is  Models can help you visualize, or picture in your mind, something that is
difficult to see or understand. difficult to see or understand.
 Models can help scientists communicate their ideas, understand  Models can help scientists communicate their ideas, understand
processes, and make predictions. processes, and make predictions.
 Scientists use models because reality, especially systems like Earth's  Scientists use models because reality, especially systems like Earth's
climate, is complex and difficult to study directly. climate, is complex and difficult to study directly.
 Many factors influence complex concepts, for example climate, so it's  Many factors influence complex concepts, for example climate, so it's
impossible to consider all of them simultaneously, that is why models are impossible to consider all of them simultaneously, that is why models are
necessary. necessary.
 Models are useful tools that help scientists understand complex systems  Models are useful tools that help scientists understand complex systems
by allowing them to analyze and make predictions. by allowing them to analyze and make predictions.
o There are different types of models: physical models, conceptual models, o There are different types of models: physical models, conceptual models,
and mathematical models. and mathematical models.
o Physical models are smaller and simpler representations of a o Physical models are smaller and simpler representations of a
thing being studied. A globe or a map is a physical model of a thing being studied. A globe or a map is a physical model of a
portion or all of Earth. portion or all of Earth.
o Conceptual models tie together many ideas to explain a o Conceptual models tie together many ideas to explain a
phenomenon or event. phenomenon or event.
o Mathematical models are sets of equations that consider many o Mathematical models are sets of equations that consider many
factors to represent a phenomenon. Mathematical models are factors to represent a phenomenon. Mathematical models are
usually done on computers. usually done on computers.
o Simulation models use a digital prototype of a physical model to o Simulation models use a digital prototype of a physical model to
predict its performance in the real world predict its performance in the real world
o Many models are created on computers because they can handle o Many models are created on computers because they can handle
enormous amounts of data. enormous amounts of data.
o Models can be used to test ideas by simulating specific parts of a system, o Models can be used to test ideas by simulating specific parts of a system,
making it easier for scientists to understand how certain factors affect making it easier for scientists to understand how certain factors affect
each other. each other.
o Models can also be used to make predictions about the future, with the o Models can also be used to make predictions about the future, with the
best ones considering multiple factors. best ones considering multiple factors.
o To assess the accuracy of a model, scientists often use past data to see if o To assess the accuracy of a model, scientists often use past data to see if
the model can accurately predict the present. the model can accurately predict the present.
o Despite their usefulness, models have limitations because they are o Despite their usefulness, models have limitations because they are
simpler than real systems and may not predict real-world behavior with simpler than real systems and may not predict real-world behavior with
absolute accuracy. However, careful construction and sufficient computing absolute accuracy. However, careful construction and sufficient computing
power can improve a model's accuracy. power can improve a model's accuracy.