Scientific Models

Chapter 1 Section 3
Objectives

Give examples of 3 types of models

Identify the benefits and limitations of

models

Compare the ways that scientists use

hypotheses, theories , and laws
What is a model?

A representation of an object or a system

Used to explain how something works

Describes how something is structured

Can be used to make predictions or

explain observations
Kinds of Models

Physical Models (examples: toy rocket,

plastic skeleton)

Mathematical Models (ex: Punnett

square, computers)

Conceptual Models (ex: that life

originated from chemicals, used to classify
behaviors of animals)
Benefits of Models

Represent things that are large or small, or

very complicated

Can be a kind of hypothesis and can be

tested
Building Scientific Knowledge

Scientific Theory: an idea that ties

together many hypotheses and
observations; conceptual models that help
to organize scientific thinking

Scientific Laws: a summary of many

experimental results and observations; a
law tells how things work. Laws tell you
what happens, not why it happens.
Quick Quiz

What is meant by a scientific model?

Name five reasons for using models

Give an example of a model used in

science that is larger than the real object
and an example that is smaller than the
real object.