Developing and Using Models
Modeling can begin in the earliest grades, with students' models progressing from concrete "pictures" and/or physical scale models to more abstract representations of relevant relationships in later grades.
K-12 Progressions
from NGSS Appendix F: Science and Engineering Practices in the NGSS
| K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modeling in K–2 builds on prior
experiences and progresses to
include using and developing
models (i.e., diagram, drawing,
physical replica, diorama,
dramatization, or storyboard) that
represent concrete events or
design solutions.
• Distinguish between a model and the actual object, process, and/or events the model represents. • Compare models to identify common features and differences. • Develop and/or use a model to represent amounts, relationships, relative scales (bigger, smaller), and/or patterns in the natural and designed world(s). • Develop a simple model based on evidence to represent a proposed object or tool. |
Modeling in 3–5 builds on K–2
experiences and progresses to
building and revising simple
models and using models to
represent events and design
solutions.
• Identify limitations of models. • Collaboratively develop and/or revise a model based on evidence that shows the relationships among variables for frequent and regular occurring events. • Develop a model using an analogy, example, or abstract representation to describe a scientific principle or design solution. • Develop and/or use models to describe and/or predict phenomena. • Develop a diagram or simple physical prototype to convey a proposed object, tool, or process. • Use a model to test cause and effect relationships or interactions concerning the functioning of a natural or designed system. |
Modeling in 6–8 builds on K–5
experiences and progresses to
developing, using, and revising
models to describe, test, and predict
more abstract phenomena and design
systems.
• Evaluate limitations of a model for a proposed object or tool. • Develop or modify a model— based on evidence – to match what happens if a variable or component of a system is changed. • Use and/or develop a model of simple systems with uncertain and less predictable factors. • Develop and/or revise a model to show the relationships among variables, including those that are not observable but predict observable phenomena. • Develop and/or use a model to predict and/or describe phenomena. • Develop a model to describe unobservable mechanisms. • Develop and/or use a model to generate data to test ideas about phenomena in natural or designed systems, including those representing inputs and outputs, and those at unobservable scales. |
Modeling in 9–12 builds on K–8
experiences and progresses to using,
synthesizing, and developing models
to predict and show relationships
among variables between systems
and their components in the natural
and designed worlds.
• Evaluate merits and limitations of two different models of the same proposed tool, process, mechanism or system in order to select or revise a model that best fits the evidence or design criteria. • Design a test of a model to ascertain its reliability. • Develop, revise, and/or use a model based on evidence to illustrate and/or predict the relationships between systems or between components of a system. • Develop and/or use multiple types of models to provide mechanistic accounts and/or predict phenomena, and move flexibly between model types based on merits and limitations. • Develop a complex model that allows for manipulation and testing of a proposed process or system. • Develop and/or use a model (including mathematical and computational) to generate data to support explanations, predict phenomena, analyze systems, and/or solve problems. |
Introduction to SEP2: Developing and Using Models
from NGSS Appendix F: Science and Engineering Practices in the NGSS
Modeling can begin in the earliest grades, with students’ models progressing from concrete “pictures” and/or physical scale models (e.g., a toy car) to more abstract representations of relevant relationships in later grades, such as a diagram representing forces on a particular object in a system. (NRC Framework, 2012, p. 58)
Models include diagrams, physical replicas, mathematical representations, analogies, and computer simulations. Although models do not correspond exactly to the real world, they bring certain features into focus while obscuring others. All models contain approximations and assumptions that limit the range of validity and predictive power, so it is important for students to recognize their limitations.
In science, models are used to represent a system (or parts of a system) under study, to aid in the development of questions and explanations, to generate data that can be used to make predictions, and to communicate ideas to others. Students can be expected to evaluate and refine models through an iterative cycle of comparing their predictions with the real world and then adjusting them to gain insights into the phenomenon being modeled. As such, models are based upon evidence. When new evidence is uncovered that the models can’t explain, models are modified.
In engineering, models may be used to analyze a system to see where or under what conditions flaws might develop, or to test possible solutions to a problem. Models can also be used to visualize and refine a design, to communicate a design’s features to others, and as prototypes for testing design performance.
Performance Expectations Associated with SEP2: Developing and Using Models
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