BRINE SHRIMP LAB LIST

Data Chart – 5 days, 3 cups, 3+observations

Microscope Drawing- title, total mag, 3+ observations

Conclusion- restate hypotheses, right or wrong, do differently

Scientific Models and Theories

What is a Model? A representation of an object or system A substitute for what you are studying Used to explain the structure of something and

how it works Used to make predictions and explain

observations

3 Types of Models Physical Models

Mathematical Models

Conceptual Models

Physical Model Looks like the thing they model

Example: toy airplane

Mathematical Model Made up of numbers, equations,

and other data.

Example: Punnett square

Conceptual Model Represents system of ideas

Example: Cell Theory- all living things are made up of cells

Benefits and Limitations Benefits:

Used to represent things that are otherwise too small or too large

Can be a hypothesis and tested Limitations:

It is never exactly like the real thing It can only tell us what our current

scientific knowledge tells us

Theories A Theory is a scientific explanation

that connects and explains many tests/observations.

Used to explain and predict situations

It is a conceptual model

Theories cont. Scientists are always discovering

new information. This new information may show

that a theory is incorrect. When this happens, the theory

must be changed so that it explains the new information.

Theory Research Redi’s Experiment worksheet

What is a scientific theory that is currently being debated? What are the two sides of the debate?