Meaning of model

1.

A three-dimensional representation of a person or thing or of a

proposed structure, typically on a smaller scale than the original.
"a model of St Paul's Cathedral"

2.

A thing used as an example to follow or imitate.

"the project became a model for other schemes"
"use the icing to model a house"

3.

Use (a system, procedure, etc.) as an example to follow or imitate.

"the research method will be modeled on previous work"
Why we use model
A model can come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. It is important to
emphasize that a model is not the real world but merely a human
construct to help us better understand real world systems. In general all
models have an information input, an information processor, and an
output of expected results.
Key features in common with the development of any model is that:

simplifying assumptions must be made;

boundary conditions or initial conditions must be identified;

The range of applicability of the model should be understood.

working with models can enhance systems thinking abilities

Models and model development are useful for helping students

learn quantitative skills such as graphing, graphical analysis, and
visualization; statistics; computational skills, mathematics.

Many models allow one to perform sensitivity studies to assess how

changes in key system variables alter the system's dynamic
behavior. Such sensitivity studies can help one identify leverage points
of a system to either help one affect a desire change with a minimum
effort or to help estimate the risks or benefits associated with
proposed or accidental changes in a system.