Practice 2. Developing and using models

When scientists and engineers solve problems to explain phenomenon or analyze systems, making models is a powerful tool to do each. We and our students have a mental model of how the world works. As Teachers, our training, education and experience has developed, in many instances, a sophisticated mental model of systems and phenomenon. Science teachers are often aided by a strong symbolic and spatial intelligence. We may be frustrated by students that have flawed mental models.
Using manipulative or physical models may solve the issue. We often find showing a powerful mode of teaching and learning. What if we turned the tables, flipped the modeling to the students. We are interested in showing students the conceptual models that are tested and accepted by the scientific community as a model of phenomena and systems.
Teaching engineering often has a great component of prototyping. Students in my classes often have an idea of the concept and we can have a prototype day before a measured assessment. Students can design their own test of their prototype and redesign for improvement.


"Engineering makes use of models and simulations to analyze extant systems to identify flaws that might occur, or to test possible solutions to a new problem. Engineers design and use models of various sorts to test proposed systems and to recognize the strengths and limitations of their designs."

-Understanding A Framework for K-12 Science Education, Bybee 2011


Video on Developing and Using Models