Patterns & Models : Patterns & Models Lessons 4 & 5
Objectives : Objectives Identify and describe patterns as repeated processes or recurring elements in human-made systems.
Describe repeating structure patterns in nature or periodic patterns. Describe how scientists use models to explore relationships in natural systems.
Describe how engineers use models to develop new and improved technology.
Given a model showing simple cause and effect relationships in a natural system, predict results that can be used to test assumptions in the model. Patterns Models
State Standards : State Standards Pennsylvania State Science Standard
3.1 – Unifying Themes
7.B – Describe the use of models as an application of scientific or technological concepts. (models)
7.C – Identify patterns as repeated processes or recurring elements in science and technology. (patterns)
7.E – Identify change as a variable in describing natural and physical systems. (patterns)
3.2 – Inquiry & Design
7.B – Apply process knowledge to make and interpret observations. (models)
Physical Patterns : Physical Patterns Physical patterns are objects or designs that repeat in a certain way.
Example – rings or layers on a tree, veins on plant leaves.
Some physical patterns in nature exist on a much smaller scale.
Atoms & ions are the smallest part of matter.
They can bond together in patterns to form crystals
Crystals a solid substance with regular repeating arrangement of atoms or ions.
Physical Patterns : Physical Patterns Many human-made structures also have physical patterns.
Example: bridges – repeating arrangement of crossbeams.
Trusses is a structural frame made of straight beams in the shape of a triangle. They provide support.
Practice Problem #1 : Practice Problem #1 Which of these best explains how trusses can form a pattern?
A. They vary in size
B. They are made of steel
C. They support heavy loads
D. They repeat within a structure
Temporal Patterns : Temporal Patterns Temporal Patterns is an event or process that repeats on a regular basis.
Also known as periodic patterns
Examples: days of the week, seasons, ocean tides
Some temporal patterns are regulated.
Example – thermostat
Feedback-control means that the output of a system also acts as the input to control or regulate how the system functions.
Practice Problem #2 : Practice Problem #2 Because patterns repeat, scientists can use them to make predictions. A scientist records the phase of the moon every week for seven weeks. Based on these data, what phase do you predict the scientist will observe in week 10?
Explain why this pattern is both physical and temporal.
What is a model? : What is a model? Models allow scientists to see and manipulate materials in ways that would not otherwise be possible.
A Model is anything that represents an idea, system, object or a process.
Graphic models
Can be 2-D diagrams, graphs, or maps or 3-D scaled version of an actual object or system.
Some can be computer simulations that show a process.
They can be conceptual to show how ideas are related.
Using Models : Using Models Scientists and engineers use models to:
Explore relationships between objects, systems, or ideas.
Test new ideas
Find solutions to problems
Develop new technologies and products.
Example - watershed
Models in Engineering : Models in Engineering Engineers use models to test materials and to test their design with out the danger or expense of testing a actual structure.
They also use computer simulation to see how a material or structure will behave under certain conditions.
Practice Problem #3 : Practice Problem #3 An engineer is studying how a particular bridge structure will hold up during an earthquake. Which kind of model is he likely to use to test his design?
A. blueprint
B. Computer simulation
C. A full-scale 3-D model
D. A map of earthquake zones
Developing and Testing Models : Developing and Testing Models The more data you use to create a model, the better the model will be.
A model’s assumptions are conditions the scientist decides are accurate or unchanging for the sake of simplifying the model.
Example: Ecosystem
Practice Problem #4 : Practice Problem #4 A student builds a sealed terrarium. The terrarium has soil, a bowl of water, and a few simple plants and insects. The student wants to test the assumption that the water cycle works at small scales in the same way it works at larger scales.
A. Explain how the terrarium can help model the water cycle.
B. Describe the result that would indicate the assumption about the water cycle model holds.