Component | Subcomponent | Example student responses |
Purposes of modelinga | Models are sense-making tools for constructing knowledge. | “To see the effect” “Easier to see” “Our school isn’t in Yellowstone park.” “Easier on computers.” “To see how it would work.” |
Models are communication tools for conveying understanding or knowledge. | “Because you see the results before doing it.” “For training.” | |
Models can be used to develop new understandings, by predicting new aspects of a phenomenon | “Learn which numbers work best.” | |
Models are used to illustrate, explain, and predict phenomena. | “It can show us and not hurt the environment.” “We use simulation because we will know what [is] going to happen.” |