Big Picture Activity: Scientific Model

Explanation

In science, a model is a representation of an idea, an object or even a process or system. Models are used to describe and explain phenomena that a scientist cannot directly experience. Models are central to what scientists do, both in their research as well as when communicating their explanations. In this activity you will use your creativity to construct your own Scientific Model that helps you understand how complex systems are organized and structured.

In this assignment, you can choose between designing your 3-dimensional model on the computer, or c reating a real-life model with common household objects. If you decide you would like to construct the model on the computer, here are links to a few different free 3D modeling programs (or use your own):

https://3d-canvas.en.softonic.com/

http://www.sketchup.com/?gclid=CJGso_m6p78CFc3m7AodKjgAwA

An informative Scientific Model is built to scale, represents accurate proportion and quantity, and demonstrates how the parts contribute to the whole. After c reating your Scientific Model you must either take pictures of the model or create a video to demonstrate how your model meets the requirements.

Instructions

Choose one of the two options:

Option 1: Identify a periodic phenomenon in nature (ie phases of the moon, rising and falling of tides) and create a graph clearly showing the cyclic nature of the process. Clearly label the axes of your graph and identify the amplitude, frequency, period and wavelength of the phenomenon. There should be numerical values for significant quantities such as crests and troughs. Include a paragraph describing the entire process through at least one cycle.