(COPY THIS ON BOARD) and answer Learning Task 3.
Do it on one whole sheet of paper.
A MODEL is something scientists use to represent an object or event in order to make it easier to
study. Models are very useful for scientists. However, you cannot learn everything by studying a
model, because models are not exactly like the objects they represent. It is a pattern, plan,
representation, or description designed to show the structure or workings of an object, system, or
concept
PHYSICAL MODELS are models that you can see or touch. For example, a map is a
physical model of Earth. However, a flat map looks very different from the round Earth!
A MATHEMATICAL MODEL is made up of data and mathematical equations. A
mathematical equation shows how data are related to each other. They can help you
calculate things such as how far a car will travel in an hour. Meteorologists often use
mathematical models called CLIMATE MODELS to help them study the Earth’s climate.
Most climate models include large amounts of data. The data may be measurements of
temperatures or amounts of rainfall.
A CONCEPTUAL MODEL is a diagram, drawing, or spoken description of how something
works or is put together. Conceptual models may be made of many different hypotheses.
Each hypothesis is supported by scientific methods. For example, the conceptual model
below shows how mercury moves through the environment. Scientists have used scientific
methods to learn how mercury from coal burning can affect humans.
Scientists often use models to help explain or support scientific laws and theories. A SCIENTIFIC
LAW is a statement or equation that can predict what will happen in certain situations. A
SCIENTIFIC THEORY is an explanation that connects and explains many observations. It is a
system of ideas that explains many related observations and is supported by a large body of
evidence acquired through scientific investigation.
LEARNING TASK 3
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.
1. (Identify) How are scientific theories related to observations and evidence?
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2. (Explain) Why do scientists use models?
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3. (Describe) What effect can new observations have on a scientific theory?
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4. (List) Give one example of a physical model and one example of a mathematical model.
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5. (Explain) Why do scientists use computers to process climate models?
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6. (Infer) A globe is a model of the Earth. Give two ways a globe is like the Earth and two ways a
globe is not like the Earth.
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