Science modeling is one of those strategies that can make your lessons rock, or just leave your students hanging around saying, “what in the world?”. It’s an essential science and engineering practice you need to implement.
It’s also important for bringing the WOW Factor to your classroom!
So, when science modeling is done right in your classroom, it’s magic! Science modeling can help your students visualize complex content by turning them into something they can see, touch, smell, or even taste. Trust me, your students need that.
So, let’s make this process a lot easier AND engaging. Science models aren’t just Styrofoam balls glued together or a picture on a page. They are powerful tools for critical thinking, reasoning, and understanding.
Let’s dive in!
What is Science Modeling?
Science modeling is using science models! So, what are science models, and why do we use them?
I want you to think back to a time when you had to explain something complicated to one of your friends. Did you draw a picture, try to make a gesture with your hands, come up with an analogy? You know what? You used a model!
Science models are used to represent things that are hard to explain. Science modeling explains things that are too big (like our solar system), too small (like a cell), too slow (like continental drift), or too fast (like the speed of light). Models make concepts easier to visualize and understand. It’s something that students can actually work with!
So, models can:
- Help students visualize abstract concepts
- Simplify complex things
- Promote a deeper understanding
- Improve retention
- Help students develop critical thinking skills
- Help students predict outcomes
- And more!
The real question is – how do we make sure that students are just “going with the motions” when it comes to science modeling? We don’t want them to just copy a model and say here you go; we want them to THINK with them.
How to Help You Students Develop and Use Models Like Scientists
If you want students to actually think when using models and to grasp whatever science concept you’re teaching, you have to go beyond the “make this model exactly as I do” process and jump into the how and why of the model.
Here are some “secrets” to making science modeling an awesome experience in your classroom!
Start with the WHY
Before your students begin their science modeling assignment, they need to know why they are doing it. Otherwise, it’s just craft time, right?
For example, say that you are about to make a model of any atom using chocolate chips and marshmallows. You can ask these questions:
- What’s the purpose of the model we are about to create?
- What do we need to do to represent it accurately?
- How could this model help us explain atoms?
Once students see the purpose behind the science modeling activity, they are more motivated to do it right and understand why they are doing it.
Let Students Make Mistakes
It’s always good to show students what you expect before you give them a task; however, with this, FIRST, allow your students to try it on their own without much guidance. Don’t show them what the model should look like, but see what they can do based on what they’ve learned in class.
For example, say that you are discussing elements, compounds, and mixtures. Tell your students to draw a diagram of all of these things and see what they come up with.
Once, they have their diagram, then show them YOUR model. They can make adjustments as needed.
With this, they are getting so many different experiences.
Use Multiple Types of Models
It’s good for students to use models to understand abstract concepts, but it’s even better when they use MULTIPLE models. This can make the content so much more understandable.
What are some different models your students can use? Drawings, diagrams, physical 3-D models, replicas, computer simulations, mathematical models, analogies, written descriptions, and experiments are all great options.
Want more details? Check out this post of these 9 Engaging Examples for Developing and Using Models in the Science Classroom.
Don’t Just “Use” Models, but Develop Them
Using models to teach and explain things to students is of course great, but letting students create their own takes it to the next level. Student-made models (even if they make mistakes at first), can be SO powerful.
For example, after you teach about food webs, give students different cards with organisms to create their own food web. Even better (see #2)…give students the cards FIRST to make a food web, and THEN doing your teaching and modeling!
Make Models Active
What do I mean by this? Well, once a model is complete, don’t just let it be an art decoration or a piece of paper. Let students revise them, test out different things, and interact with them. This is especially easy if you use a computer simulated model, but here are some other ideas:
- You know the atom model I discussed earlier with chocolate chips and marshmallows? Let students eat one of the chocolate chips or one of the marshmallows and then have a discussion about what will happen to that atom now.
- When modeling position/time, let students see what happens when this moving man MOVES around!
- Create multiple models and debate which one best represents reality. For example, when teaching about the moon phases, you can create the classic Oreo model as well as do a demonstration using a light and a Styrofoam ball. Then, it’s discussion time!
Create and Use Real-World Models
Well, honestly, whatever model you are making is “real-world” because it’s science. However, if you make models connected to things that kids are into, it makes it all the better!
For example:
- Do you live in Tornado Alley? Let students check out these computer models scientists use to help them explore storm behavior.
- Talking about oceans and ocean currents? Explore this interactive tool to see if your plastic trash will reach the ocean.
- Let students create a model of THEIR cell. Not just any cell, but make sure they know they are modeling what one of their looks like. Just that personalization can go a long way.
I hope you have enjoyed these tips to make science modeling a success in your classroom!
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