Models and

the Scientific
Method

What is a Model?
According to Wikipedia, a model is defined as
follows.
In the most general sense, a model is anything
used in any way to represent anything else.
Some models are physical objects, for instance, a
toy model which may be assembled, and may
even be made to work like the object it
represents. Whereas, a conceptual model is a
model that exists only in the mind. Conceptual
models are used to help us know and understand
the subject matter they represent.

Course Objective
You will be developing a
CONCEPTUAL model for atoms
called the Particle Model for
Matter. This model states that
everything is made of tiny moving
particles called atoms.
This model is a mental model.
Mental models use reason and
imagination for their development.

What is a Model?
A model is always less than reality.
Sometimes you need to simplify a
system in order to study it.
Models do not need to look like the real
thing, they only have to act like the thing
you are studying.

Use of Models
A good model will allow you to DOPE.

Describe
Observe
Predict
Explain

Characteristics of Models
1. They are made by people.
A. This means they are subject to
error.
2. They are based upon the belief that
nature is consistent.
3. They are based on a large number of
observations.
4. They are changed when they do not
explain observations.
5. They are discarded if they can not
explain new observations.

Data
Data is recorded observations and measurements.
Observations are the things that you take in
through your senses.
Measurements should be repeated and then data
averaged in order to eliminate errors made in
taking measurements.

Scientific Method
In order to obtain data you
need to use the scientific
method. This is a
systematic approach to
problem solving. The steps
are as follows:

Identify the problem.

Research the problem.
Form a hypothesis.
Perform experiments.
Record and analyze your data.
State a conclusion.
Repeat the experiment. Remember,
a good model is based upon many
observations.

Observations
Remember that there are TWO kinds of
observations.
Qualitative and Quantitative. Qualitative
observations are ones that do not need a
numerical measurement.
1. The Summer Reading Test was easy.
2. The Summer Reading Test was
impossible.
3. It is cloudy.
4. It is hot outside.
These observations are always subject to
interpretation as they are not as precise as
numerical measurements.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative

Observations
Quantitative measurements tend to be more
precise (going on the premise that the observer is
using the measuring tools correctly).
It is 87 degrees F, outside.
The humidity today is 43 percent.
We received 3.2 inches of rain at our house
today.

Again, the difference involves numbers and actual

measurements.

Control vs. Variable

The control in an experiment

is the absence of treatment
that is used to make
comparisons.

The variable is the thing that

you change or allow to

Variables
Variables are classified as being either Manipulative
or Responding. They are also classified as being
Dependent or Independent.
The variable that you change or allow to change
is the Independent or Manipulative Variable.
The variable that changes as a result is the
Dependent or Responding Variable.