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Earth Sciences Models
There are an almost limitless number of types of models. Listed elsewhere at Honeycutt Science, students can discover a variety of model-types used across the natural sciences. In recent years, a robust set of digital and math-based models have been developed to better understand Earth.
An example is The Earth System Modeling Framework (ESMF), ESMF is open-source software for building climate, numerical weather prediction, data assimilation, and other Earth science software applications. This topic explores the variety of model-types, and examines specific model opportunities to better understand Earth. (Also see CESM).
Lesson 1 (or “Day 1”) Material
- Earth-Sun Distance Example distance model
- Day 1 Instructor Presentation
- Day 1 Student Handout
- Day 1 Rubric
Lesson 2 (or “Day 2”) Material
- Day 2 Instructor Presentation
- Day 2 Student Handout
- Day 2 Rubric
- Read Earth 15 – Stratigraphic modelling
- Read Earth 15 – Geologic modelling
- Read Earth 15 – Hydrological modelling
- Read Earth 15 – Earth system modeling framework
Lesson 3 (or “Day 3”) Material
Lesson 4 (or “Day 4”) Material
3.12 What is Math Modeling?
2:37 3D Printing of Furr High School Model
3:58 Groundwater Flow Demonstration Model
Compare Contrast and Debate
Kick-Off Debate Background:
Models are basically a representation of something people want to know more about. Physical models are probably the easiest to understand. Physical models are sometimes bigger than the actual object being represented – like a model of an atom or a molecule.
Physical models are sometimes smaller than the actual object (or, objects) being represented – like a model of the solar system. Often, models are created “to scale” – which is kind of like shrinking or enlarging the size of the original object.
Other times, models take “artistic liberty” when it comes to the proportions of a model compared to the original object. The latter method often helps illustrate and communicate concepts, but doesn’t show actual size and distance relationships very well.
- Position A: Students will best learn about the solar system with models that are “to-scale.”
- Position B: Students will best learn about the solar system with conceptual models that are NOT “to-scale.”
Resources Documents and Links
- Activity 11 – Earth Science and Volcanoes (Climate Modeling)
- ED15.BellringerEarthsSeasons.tnsp
- ED15.The_Water_Cycle.tns
Special Notes and Notices
Instructor Emphasis:
- Science & Engineering Practice: Develop and use models.
- Cross-Cutting Concept: Systems and System Models.
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