(IES) Using Models to Understand Systems Lesson

Using Models to Understand Systems

A system is a group of parts working together. The Earth is actually one big system with smaller systems that must function as part of the larger system. The Earth's systems can be categorized into four parts: water, land, air and living things.

Maps are models of Earth that are important tools in both science and society.

Consider a typical model of Earth - a globe. Globes are round or spherical. It makes sense then that the four parts of Earth's systems have the root word sphere in them.

Look at these prefixes

Hydro - water

Lith - crust or stiff

Atmo - vapor

Bio - life

Now add the root word sphere to the prefixes above and you will have the four main parts the Earth systems are formed from.

Hydrosphere - Lithosphere - Atmosphere - Biosphere

No matter what the system is, it can be demonstrated, explained, and/or manipulated through the use of a model. Models are not always physical. Scientists also consider conceptual and mathematical models. By using a variety of types of models students can develop their own understanding of the system or any topic being taught with the use of a model.

In science, a model is a representation of an idea, an object or even a process or a system that is used to describe and explain

phenomena that cannot be experienced directly. Models are central to what scientists do, both in their research as well as when communicating their explanations.

"Models serve the purpose of being a tool for thinking with, making predictions and making sense of experience." And further "scientists use models...to represent their current understanding of a system under study, to aid in the development of questions and explanations, and to communicate ideas to others."~NRC, 2011,pp. 56-7.

People often think of models as a physical three dimensional display. Models can include much more.

Types of Models

Physical models - Certainly physical models are used by scientist. Physical models are great tools to help visualize a system of study.

Mental image models/Conceptual models - These are models that are graphically represented to help students and scientist conceptualize. An example of this type of model is the Bohr solar system model of the atom.

Mathematical models - These models use equations to describe a phenomenon. Computer models use complex algorithims to generate models and are categorized with mathematical models.

Examples of Models

Models can represent....	Example
objects that are too small to see	Model of a cell or atom
objects that are too large to see	Model of The Universe
objects that no longer exist	Model of an ancient city
objects that have not been invented or developed	This model is often called a prototype
events that occur so slowly we are not able to see	Model of a tree growing
events that occur so quickly we are not able to see	Model to predict an earthquake
future events	Models of climate change

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