Using models

Education in Chemistry
June 2019
rsc.li/2KdgoNa

Once you’ve introduced your students to the overarching concept of scientific models, you can use these worksheets to get them discussing
models.

The first worksheet asks students to evaluate models, deciding whether they are scientific ideas or representations/illustrations of scientific ideas.

Based on Ben Rogers’ similar/different resources, the second sheet asks students to explore the similarities and differences between the model and what it
represents, for example the magnet model of forces between atoms.

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 Physical Comparisons/ Visual pictures Equations/gra Computer
models analogies held in our minds phs models

SCIENTIFIC MODELS

Which scientific models are Which scientific models are

scientific ideas that attempt to things used to represent or illustrate scientific
describe/picture things in the world? ideas?

A loop of rope can The particle model of

An egg can illustrate the structure of represent a circuit. You can build model atoms
the Earth. solids, liquids and
from plasticine.
gases.

The bell-jar model of the

The nuclear
model of the atom. lungs illustrates how lungs The plum pudding The Dalton model
work. model of the atom. of the atom.

The geocentric and

Molymods represent molecules. heliocentric models of the Our model of the Earth’s structure (crust,
universe. mantle, outer core, inner core).

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 Evaluating THE MAGNET MODEL of FORCES BETWEEN ATOMS

MAGNETS FORCES BETWEEN

ATOMS

SIMILAR
Things that the model illustrates or
represents well.
The model shows how …

DIFFERENT DIFFERENT
Features of the model which Features of reality which are
are different to reality. not shown well by the model.
In the model, In reality,

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