1.2.

3 Study: Modeling Study Guide

Biology Sem 1 Name: Kayla Ramirez
Date:

1.2.3 Study: Modeling 1/7

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Use this guide to take notes as you work through the activity. Taking good notes can
help you remember important ideas. Your notes on this guide will help you prepare
for quizzes and tests.

Representing the Real World

1. In your own words, describe what a model is and how it is used.

A conceptual, physical, or mathematical portrayal or description of something in the real world.

Types of Models

2. Fill in the table to identify and describe types of models and give an example of
each.

Type of model Description Example

A replica of an object or system
Physical model Ball and stick figure.
that shows how its parts go
together.

Mathematical A model using formulas, A simple model showing how to find the volume

numbers, or calculations of a cardboard box by multiplying the values for

to describe a system length (l), width (w), and height (h).

Computer model A computer program that simulates a Scientists use such models that
complex system. analyzes diseases to predict the
spread of a disease.

If you are trying to explain the basic

A mental image or
Conceptual structure of a cell, you might compare it
description that helps you
remember basic ideas to a peach. The arrangement and relative

about an object, system, thicknesses of the peach's fuzz, flesh,

or process and pit resemble a cell's major parts.

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Physical Models

3. Circle the word that correctly completes the sentence.

The [size/shape] of a physical model is usually significantly different from that of the
real object or system.

4. Give an example of a situation in which using a physical model is less dangerous

than using the real object. The model can be used to show microscopic details very clearly.

Scale Models

5. Fill in the blanks to complete the sentences.

A logarithmic scale fits many orders of _______________

magnitude onto a single axis.

The scale value of a scale model is a ratio that compares the length of a part of
the _______________
measurement with the length of the corresponding part of the real object.

6. Complete the diagram to calculate the scale of a model.

80

Mathematical Models

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7. Circle the three correct examples of a mathematical model.

A numerical relationship that describes a phenomenon

A formula for finding a calculation

An illustration of an object's structure

A graph of the relationship between two variables

Computer Models

8. Explain how a computer model relates to a mathematical model.

It is just continuing the mathematical model.

9. Circle the words that correctly complete the sentence.

A computer model can use simulations of complex factors to make [changes

to/predictions about] living systems in the real world.

Conceptual Models

10. Circle the two correct examples of a conceptual model.

A three-dimensional replica

A verbal comparison of an object to an everyday item

A mental image

Why Scientists and Engineers Use Models

11. Fill in the blanks to complete the sentences.

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 A scientist uses models in ____________________
physical models to better control certain factors
and conditions.

An engineer uses models called ____________________

computer models to test a solution.

Refining the Design of a Model

12. In your own words, describe why a model might be refined or changed over time.

Working on a model can teach you something new. This new understanding can compel
you to refine, or improve, the model and build a new version.

Limitations of Models

13. Describe three common limitations of models.

_________________________________________________________________
Models that represent enormous objects at a small scale must leave out some of the details of the real thing.

Physical models are rarely made with materials that capture all the properties of the real object.
_________________________________________________________________

A model that is made to highlight one aspect of a system cannot capture all the diverse interactions that occur in that system in real life.
_________________________________________________________________

Benefits of Modeling

14. Circle the five phrases that correctly describe benefits of models.

Help communicate complex ideas Save time and money

Show all possible interactions in a Help scientists make predictions

system

Show processes at observable Serve as a perfect replica of a real

timescales object

Represent objects too small to observe Create results that always match

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 directly experimental hypotheses

Key Terms

Use this table to write definitions for the key terms from this activity in your own
words. If you're confident you know a term, put a check mark next to it and move on.

Key Term Definition

computer model A computer program that analyzes complex data and simulates what
happened or might happen in a situation.

conceptual model A mental image, description, or comparison that shows some

basic information about an object, process, or system.

mathematical model A model that uses the language of math to describe a relationship between
quantities.

model A conceptual, physical, or mathematical portrayal or description of something

in the real world.

physical model A touchable representation of an object or system that is

bigger, smaller, or less complex than the original object or
system.

scale A ratio of sizes; a comparative measurement by

which two objects relate in every dimension.

scale model A model of an object or system in which all parts have proportional dimensions.

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If you noticed other unfamiliar terms in this activity, use the blank rows to list them
and their definitions.

I have answered all the questions on the study guide and feel confident that I
understand the main ideas of the sections. I'm ready to move on!

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Apex Learning Inc.

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