RESOURCES
Developing and Using Models
Paul Andersen of Bozeman Science explains the importance of modeling in science and engineering. Models are used by scientists to explain phenomenon. Unlike mental models, conceptual models can be shared by all scientists to improve our understanding of the Universe. Engineers use models study systems and test designs.
​
Using Models to Teach Science
Commentary by By Byung-Yeol Park, Laura Rodriguez, and Todd Campbell about the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) focus on students’ application of sense-making and problem-solving skills to deepen their understanding about naturally occurring phenomena (NGSS Lead States 2013). The NGSS identifies three dimensions: disciplinary core ideas (DCIs), science and engineering practices (SEPs), and crosscutting concepts (CCCs) for teachers to consider as they design challenging and worthwhile instruction.
​
NGSS Modeling Is Not An Art Project
Nicole VanTassel, founder and CEO of iExploreScience, discusses how modeling helps our students sift through their existing ideas, communicate prior knowledge, keep track of their growing conceptual understanding, and ultimately demonstrate mastery of unit concepts. It’s a tool that we can use in the classroom any time when we have any amount of time and with few resources. All that said, it’s also a tool that is often misunderstood — mostly because our own existing understandings of modeling cloud our understanding of NGSS modeling.
​
