Question: Which of the following types of models could be used to represent a cell?a. idea modelb. physical modelc. computer modeld. all of the above
Answer: d. all of the above
Question: Models need to be changed when _______.a. they are based on experimental datab. scientific understanding changesc. they represent a phenomenond. they are designed to answer a question
Answer: b. scientific understanding changes
Question: Which of the following types of models is most likely to be used to predict earthquakes?a. idea modelb. physical modelc. computer modeld. none of the above
Answer: c. computer model
Question: Explain why all models have limitations.
Answer: All models have limitations because they are not representative of every possible scenario. They use current knowledge and scientific data, but as those are subject to change, the models based off that knowledge and data are subject to change as well.
Question: List possible limitations to scientific models.
Answer: Scientific models are not a replacement for experimentation. They can be used in conjunction with experimentation to further understanding of a concept, event, or process. They are based on current scientific knowledge and may have to be changed when new discoveries are made.
Question: What are some possible uses for scientific models?
Answer: Student answers may vary. Possible answers include three-dimensional representations of microscopic objects, computer simulations of weather patterns, small-scale representations of rockets and airplanes, and graphs derived from collecting scientific data.
Question: Explain the purpose of scientific models.
Answer: Scientific models are used to gain a better understanding of systems and processes. Graphs derived from research experiments can be used to understand the system being studied and predict results for tests that have not yet been conducted. Three-dimensional models can be constructed to help scientists better understand very large and very small systems.
Question: Scientific models _______.a. are based on a set of observationsb. are used to replace experimentsc. allow the study of existing systems onlyd. are rarely used
Answer: a. are based on a set of observations
Question: Compare the idea, physical, and computer models.
Answer: The idea model is used to for relationships between variables, such as time and distance, that can be graphed or be placed into an equation. A physical model, on the other hand, is generally used for objects, such as a cell, to show the various parts and their orientation in respect to each other. A computer model is used to track weather patterns and other factors to predict natural events.
Question: A scientific model can be used to _______.a. replace study of the actual systemb. better understand systems and processesc. complicate ideasd. all of the above
Answer: b. better understand systems and processes
Question: The model of the solar system changed, because _______.a. understanding of the solar system changed.b. the order of the planets changed.c. the first model of the solar system was not built to scaled. none of the above
Answer: a. understanding of the solar system changed.
Question: (T/F) Scientific models can never be changed.
Answer: FALSE
Question: Which of the following types of models would be most effective to demonstrate the relationship between distance and time?a. idea modelb. physical modelc. computer modeld. none of the above
Answer: a. idea model
Question: (T/F) Computer models are the only type of model that can be used to make predictions.
Answer: FALSE
Question: Which of the following is not an example of a scientific model?a. a diagram of a cellb. a data tablec. a three-dimensional representation of an atomd. a graph showing the change in temperature and volume over time for hydrogen gas
Answer: b. a data table
Question: Which of the following statements about physical models is not true?a. Physical models are often three-dimensional representations.b. Physical models are used to represent an object or event.c. Physical models are usually in the form of a graph.d. Physical models can be used to depict microscopic objects.
Answer: c. Physical models are usually in the form of a graph.
Question: Scientific models can be used for a variety of different purposes. Which of the following statements about scientific models is not true?a. Scientific models can save money and lives.b. Scientific models allow scientists to test their predictions.c. Scientific models allow scientists to study systems that no longer exist.d. Scientific models are used rarely.
Answer: d. Scientific models are used rarely.
Question: Scientists utilize models for a variety of different purposes, but each type of scientific model has limitations. What might be a limitation of existing solar system models?a. They are not based on experimentation.b. They are used for prediction.c. They cannot be changed.d. They are based on current knowledge.
Answer: d. They are based on current knowledge.
Question: Scientific models can be used for a variety of different purposes. Which of the following is not a possible use for a scientific model?a. study of complex systemsb. study of obsolete systemsc. replace study of the larger systemd. answer scientific questions
Answer: c. replace study of the larger system
Question: (T/F) Scientific models are based on current knowledge, which can limit their effectiveness when new discoveries are made.
Answer: TRUE
