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Heather Cowart

Yes to Success in the Classroom with Modeling


students in a science classroom working together to build a model

Let's talk about modeling.  Not the type where someone puts on a designer's dress and walks down the runway.  The type that teachers can use to help their students understand and the type that students can use to show their understanding.  You know those standards that begin with "develop and use a model"?  That's them! Last year was our first year teaching the Georgia Standards of Excellence.  It is not exactly NGSS, but the idea is the same.  Our students learn science by doing science.  That means that we learn by using the Science and Engineering Practices, too. So, back to the modeling.  You might ask, "What exactly is a scientific model?". A scientific model is something that represents an idea, a process, or an object and can be used when communicating an explanation of a phenomenon or concept. Can you imagine the weather man (or woman) giving the daily forecast without the radar being shown in the background?  That's a model and modeling makes it better!

There are 3 basic types of scientific models:  mathematical, conceptual, and physical.  The weather forecast is an example of a mathematical model.  It is a model in which data is analyzed and equations are utilized to represent a phenomenon.  They can also be referred to as computer models because of the use of a computer to crunch the numbers. A conceptual model is another type of scientific model.  It is any type of explanation of a concept or series of concepts.  A diagram, an illustration, a flow chart, a drawing, a verbal description, an infographic, an analogy, etc are all types of conceptual models.  They are useful because they make connections to things that are familiar to us to facilitate the explanation. Last but not least, a model may be a physical model.  These are models that represent a phenomenon by something that can be seen or touched.  They are usually smaller and simpler representations of the actual idea, process, or object.  A globe and an anatomy skeleton would be an example of a physical model.  

Now that we know what models are, how can we use them in the classroom?  It is simple.  You can give your students instructions or give them free range. The free range is my favorite so let's talk about instructions first. Let's suppose that you want your students to "develop and use a model to show their understanding of natural selection." You could type up a checklist of materials for them to use and criteria you want them to meet. Maybe you want them to only use paper or limit the size. Perhaps you want them to generate the model using a computer program. You could even ask them to have moveable pieces.  My favorite however, is the free range.  


To start, get out a bunch of supplies (construction paper, straws, cotton swabs, cotton balls, craft sticks, glitter, beads, sequins, etc.) or have them collect recycled materials.  Say "GO" and watch as they develop amazing things.  Some will choose to make a computer generated model.  Some will draw a picture.  Some will make something that you can touch. Some will prefer just to explain.  After they create their model, all you have to do is listen to their explanation and assess.  Modeling is an amazing method to use to help students understand and to assess their understanding.  Let's face it, if they can explain it, then they understand it. Simple, right?  How do you using scientific models with your students? SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave

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