What is a Model?

What is a 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.

In addition:
Models provide an environment for interactive student engagement. Evidence
from science education research shows that significant learning gains are
achieved when students participate in interactive engagement activities.
Thus, it is important that the learning environment/activity created around
a model provide an interactive engagement experience.
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.

What is a Mock up?
It is a arrangement of a real device or associated devices, displayed in such a way that representation of reality is created. The mock up may be simplified in order to emphasize certain features. It may be an economical reproduction of a complicated or costly device, to be observed for learning purposes. It is a special model where the parts of a model are singled out, heighten and magnified in order to focus on that part or process under study.


Why are models important and useful for students?
*Because it offers one of the most compelling reasons in an introductory
geoscience classroom. "Scientific practice involves the construction, validation and application of scientific models, so science instruction should be designed to engage students in making and using models."