Year 8 Science · Unit 4 · Lesson 15

Types of Models in Science

Foundation Worksheet

Name

Date

Class

Learning Goals

Name the three main types of models used in science.
Match common examples to the correct type of model.
Recognise that every model is a simplified representation with limitations.

Warm Up

Match the type

A model can be physical, conceptual or mathematical. For each example, tick the column that shows which type of model it is.

Example	Physical	Conceptual	Mathematical
A plastic model of the heart
A diagram of the water cycle
The equation speed = distance / time
A globe of the Earth
The Bohr diagram of an atom
A graph predicting population growth

Your Turn

Sort it!

Write each example letter into the correct box. Each box should receive at least one example.

A. A plastic DNA double helix you can hold B. A food web showing what eats what C. An equation linking force and acceleration D. A scale model of a river catchment E. A circuit diagram with symbols for parts F. A formula for how a population grows each year G. A model of the solar system on a stand H. The particle model drawn as moving dots I. A graph of distance against time

Physical model

Conceptual model

Mathematical model

Show What You Know

1. In one sentence, explain what a scientific model is.

Recall 2 marks

2. Give one reason why a model leaves out detail on purpose.

Recall 2 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what do all three types of models have in common?