Teaching With Models

"Scientific practice involves the construction, validation and application of scientific models, so science instruction should be designed to engage students in making and using models." Modeling Methodology for Physics Teachers (more info) (1998)

What is a model?

Model Types: Conceptual, physical demonstrations, mathematical and statistical, and visualization.
This page briefly describes different kinds of models and provides links to more specific information about each of them. learn more here

Why are models useful and important in Geoscience education?

Fundamental to science, great for interactive student-centered environment, ideal for a systems approach (e.g. Earth System Science). learn more here

How to use models effectively in a classroom

Pedagogical and technical considerations. learn more here

Examples of models appropriate for introductory courses

• Starting Point-Teaching Entry Level Geoscience
• Assessment
• Campus-Based Learning
• Conceptual Models
• Experience-Based Environmental Projects
• Cooperative Learning
• Earth History Approach
• Field Labs
• First Day of Class
• Gallery Walks
• Games
• Indoor Labs
• Interactive Lectures
• Investigative Case Based Learning
• Just in Time Teaching
• ...click to see 13 more...
• Mathematical and Statistical Models
• Models
• Teaching With Models
• What is a Model?
• Why are Models Useful
• How to Use Models
• Modeling Examples
• Peer Review
• Role Playing
• Service-Learning in Geoscience
• Socratic Questioning
• Spreadsheets Across the Curriculum
• Student Research
• Studio Teaching
• Teaching with Data
• Teaching with GIS
• Teaching with Interactive Demonstrations
• Teaching with Visualizations
• Using an Earth System Approach