Context of the Standard

Scientists, computer scientists, mathematicians, and programmers construct and use models to better conceptualize and understand phenomena under investigation or to develop a possible solution to a proposed problem. Models include diagrams, physical replicas, mathematical representations, analogies, and computer simulations. Models are used to represent a system (or parts of a system) under study, to aid in the development of questions and explanations, to generate data that can be used to make predictions, and to communicate ideas to others.

Essential Skills

Essential Questions

Essential Vocabulary

Students should demonstrate these skills:

• Use a computing system to create an artifact to model a concept.
• Describe how a model reflects the attributes or behaviors of a concept.

Students should investigate these concepts:

• What are examples of models that we see and use regularly?
• What are examples of concepts that you can model?
• What kinds of things do you need to know before you begin to make a model?
• How does a computer model help us learn and predict things about large, small, and complex systems?

Students should apply these terms in context:

• Model