Activities

1. Think about the globe of the Earth we have in the back of the classroom. List 4 features the globe possesses that make it a scientific model.
   
   
2.  

1. 1. Label a diagram of the solar system using your understanding of the planets.
   2. Compare your labels with your tablemates. How did your labels compare? Why do you think you had so many similarities?
   3. Talk with your classmates about how this diagram and scientific models help us understand science.

1. 1. In your own words define “model.” Remember to use as many scientific details and terms to make your definition.
   2. List as many scientific models you can think of.

4. Given a diagram of a food web, choose 1 organism from the diagram and write a journal entry explaining their role in the web. Keep in mind you will have to include the entire chain of events they are a part of.
   Here are some facts and suggestions to get you going:

• • The arrows represent the form of energy from one organism to another.
  • The food web does not take into account time- you can be creative.
  • There are other organisms that may be present in this ecosystem, however we are just going to focus on those presented in the diagram.

5. Make a booklet titled “The 5 most important things a model, diagram, or directions should include.” Your booklet will have a cover page and 7 content pages, with the following on each page:
   
   1. Page 1- introduction
   2. Page 2- fact 1
   3. Page 3- fact 2
   4. Page 4- fact 3
   5. Page 5- fact 4
   6. Page 6- fact 5
   7. Page 7- conclusion

6. Work with a partner to answer the question: Which is more important to a model, images or words?
   
   1. First create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting “images” and “words.”
   2. Second, choose a scientific model to discuss (i.e. water cycle, Sun-Earth-Moon system, ecosystems, flowing water in a watershed, cell, carbon cycle)
   3. Research the model and conclude which is more useful to understand the concept, images or words?
   4. Be prepared to present your ideas to the class.
   5. Consider any improvements you might offer to make the model more comprehensive.

Answer Key/Rubric

1. Possible answers: topography, smaller than actual, 3D, proportional

2. 
   
   1. Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Pluto
   2. Possible answers- it has not changed in our lifetimes, it is predictable and well known
   3. Teacher directed and evaluated

3. 
   
   1. Possible answer- a model is a description of scientific concepts the can predict, explain, or show things in the universe
   2. Possible answers- ear model, skeleton, cell model, etc.

4. Suggested Rubric: This rubric may be used to assess a student’s overall mastery of the standard or eligible content:

5. Suggested Rubric: This rubric may be used to assess a student’s overall mastery of the standard or eligible content:

6. Answers will vary.
   a.  Venn diagram may include that the image may not be exact, or showing enough, images are 2D and models are 3D, any words would need to be in various languages, words would help describe difficult parts, both are helpful tools
   b. – e. Teacher directed and evaluated