MODELS AND HOW THE UNIVERSE BEGAN. ***Field Studies and Models *** Field Studies - when nature is observed in its natural state Models - using computers.

MODELSAND HOW THE UNIVERSE BEGAN

***Field Studies and Models ***Field Studies - when nature is observed in its natural state

Models - using computers to make a representation of a process, idea, or structure

PHYSICAL MODELS• A material

representation of something.

• Can be touched, seen, or manipulated.

MENTAL MODELS

• A mental idea or a collection of ideas or facts.• The thoughts you have about the topic.• Examples: a mental picture of Jupiter, what you

know about the White House

MODELS• Based on:• Many observations• Assume things will continue to

behave as they have in the past

• If not accurate:• Changed to fit new info• Discarded if they can’t be fixed (this

a LAST resort!)Model of the evolution of man

MODELS ARE A USEFUL TOOL

• A tool to help:• Make observations• Explain how things work• Make accurate predictions• Think of new areas to investigate

Model of climate change: blue is cold; red is hot

How would you make a model of:

1. Your home?

2. This classroom?

3. A dissected frog?

4. Climate change?

5. The solar system?

IT ALL STARTED….With a “bang” 13.7 billion years ago, and the universe has been expanding ever since.

BIG BANG THEORY

• Mental model about the formation of the universe.• Gravity caused matter to

come together to form planets, stars, etc.