Unit 2 Lesson 3

Models and Simulations

1. Check T or F to show whether you think each statement is true or false.

___ Models can have the same general appearance as real-life objects.___ Models of airplanes have all of the same operating parts as real airplanes do.___ Models can represent systems and processes.

1. Check T or F to show whether you think each statement is true or false.

T Models can have the same general appearance as real-life objects. F Models of airplanes have all of the same operating parts as real airplanes do. T Models can represent systems and processes.

2. Write your own caption in this photo (page 93).

2. Write your own caption in this photo (page 93). Models can sometime look like toys. Models let us do things that would be different or dangerous in real like.

Many English words have their roots in other languages. Use the Latin word below to make an educated guess about the meaning of the word simulatio.Latin word Meaningsimulatio make-believe

simulation:

Many English words have their roots in other languages. Use the Latin word below to make an educated guess about the meaning of the word simulatio.Latin word Meaningsimulatio make-believesimulation: An imitation of a real-life object or situation.

4. Omit

5. What is one example of a complex system that can be represented by a model?

5. What is one example of a complex system that can be represented by a model?The human body is a complex system that could be represented by a model.

6. How can using model buildings in earthquake simulations produce more earthquake-resistant building designs?

6. How can using model buildings in earthquake simulations produce more earthquake-resistant building designs?Data from simulations might show flaws in the building design that can be corrected before the real building is constructed.

7. Using the graph on page 95, predict sunspot activity in 2020.

7. Using the graph on page 95, predict sunspot activity in 2020.

2000 is a peak in the 11 year solar cycle; therefore 2010 should be close to a peak, and 2020 should also be close to a peak.

8. What are three examples of objects that are too large to easily study without using models?

8. What are three examples of objects that are too large to easily study without using models?

Ocean currents, the atmosphere, weather patterns.

9. What are some advantages of using a model for teaching about organs rather than using an actual organ?

9. What are some advantages of using a model for teaching about organs rather than using an actual organ?It’s easier and cleaner plus you don’t need to worry about the complicated ethical issues of using real organs.

10. What is the role of the smoke that is moving over the model aircraft on page 97?

10. What is the role of the smoke that is moving over the model aircraft on page 97?The model makes it possible to see how the air moves over the model to study resistance.

11. What do the large and small numbers represent in a chemical equation?

11. What do the large and small numbers represent in a chemical equation?The large numbers represents the numbe of molecules. The small numbers represent the number of atoms in a single molecule.

12. What are two ways in which a computer model might be oversimplified?

12. What are two ways in which a computer model might be oversimplified?If some variables are left out of a model to save computer processing time or if only a small portion of the system is studied to simplify a calculation.

13. As you read, underline the uses of conceptual models.

13.As you read, underline the uses of conceptual models.

Identifying patterns, similarities for classifications, processes that cannot be directly observed, predict the effect that changing one part of a system will have on the whole system.

14. Omit

15. Why is an actual car with realistic passengers needed to simulate the effects in a crash safety test?

15. Why is an actual car with realistic passengers needed to simulate the effects in a crash safety test?To obtain realistic data about crash safety, a real car is needed, as well as dummies that are similar to real people in size and weight.

16. Why do astronauts train using underwater simulations?

16. Why do astronauts train using underwater simulations?To practice spacewalking and working in a “weightless” environment on Earth before performing actual walks in space.

17. ___ Models always behave exactly like the thing they represent.

17. F Models always behave exactly like the thing they represent

18. ___ Computer modeling is useful for determining how objects interact with one another or change.

18. T Computer modeling is useful for determining how objects interact with one another or change.

19. ___ Complex objects or processes are easier to simulate.

19. F Complex objects or processes are easier to simulate.

20. ___ Conceptual models can represent a process that cannot be observed directly.

20. T Conceptual models can represent a process that cannot be observed directly.

Lesson Review

1. Physical model A. Water cycle, rock cycle, family tree2. Conceptual B. Chemical reaction, model population growth, sunspot activity3. Mathematical C. Architectural model, model atomic structure, an artificial organ

1. C. Physical model A. Water cycle, rock cycle, family tree2. A. Conceptual B. Chemical reaction, model population growth, sunspot activity3. B. Mathematical C. Architectural model, model atomic structure, an artificial organ

4. What are three advantages of using conceptual models?

4. What are three advantages of using conceptual models?Conceptual models can be used to simplify complex relationships, to identify similarities that can be used for classification, and to describe processes that cannot be observed directly.

5. Models are often used to represent very small objects or very large objects. Why is it also useful to create life-size models of some objects?

5. Models are often used to represent very small objects or very large objects. Why is it also useful to create life-size models of some objects?Sometimes it is useful to have life-size models of real objects because the real object might be difficult or impossible to obtain.

6. List two advantages and two limitations of physical models?

6. List two advantages and two limitations of physical models?Advantages: easier, safer, and cheaper to work with

Limitations: may not be an accurate representation, may not behave like it does in its normal environment.

7. Using the graph on page 103, what is the length of time between peaks in sunspot activity?

7. Using the graph on page 103, what is the length of time between peaks in sunspot activity?About 10 years (on average 11 years)

8. Again using the graph on page 103, evaluate the following statement. By using the sunspot graph above, you can predict the exact number of sunspots for any year in the future.

8. Again using the graph on page 103, evaluate the following statement. By using the sunspot graph above, you can predict the exact number of sunspots for any year in the future.This statement is not accurate. The exact number of sunspots is not predictable, and the interval between peaks also varies.

9. Computers are fast and do not make errors when doing calculations. Does this mean that computer models are always correct? Explain you answer.

9. Computers are fast and do not make errors when doing calculations. Does this mean that computer models are always correct? Explain you answer.Computer models are not always correct. Computer programs may leave out critical variables or may not consider how variables interact or change over time.