Rules and InvestigationsModelling

A model by any other name?

There are real life models…

…and there are computer models.

A model is a representation. A model imitates the conditions of a real event.

A model allows us to ask What if? And test it!

Flight simulator Car racing game Science experiment

What if the plane landed too quickly?

What if the driver goes around that bend at 120 mph?

What if the chemical was added at a slower rate?

The advantages of modelling

Much cheaper than using the real thing.

Can simulate dangerous situations.

Allows for data to be changed to see the

consequences.

Quick results. Simulation can be

speeded up.

The disadvantage of

modelling

Results are usually only approximate and

are not exact.

Types of modelling software include:

software for engineers to design buildings

software to allow the modelling of sewage pipes and water flow to calculate needs

software to allow military personnel to be prepared for emergencies.

A spreadsheet is a computer programme which allows you to create a number of models.

It is made up of columns, rows and cells.

Formulas can be added to make any calculations.

Where are you?

Let’s take a look…..

Columns

Rows

Cells

Text labels

Numeric data

Formulas

Rules

Variables

Saving for a digital video camera

Earning money by washing cars

Making a profit

A spreadsheet model can be used to work out how much money can be made by washing cars over three months.

Three main figures need to be calculated:

total amount earned … incometotal amount spent … expendituremoney left over ... profit.

A model is a representation of a real thing.

Spreadsheets can be used for modelling.

Spreadsheets are made up of columns, rows and cells.

Data in a cell can be a text label, numeric data or a formula.

A formula is a rule.

A quantity that can change is a variable.

Spreadsheets can be used to test “What if?” questions.

Changing a variable has a consequence.

Summary

What can I

remember?