Modelling as a Tool for Reflection

Marissa Wadsworth
Sep 21, 2021
2 min read

Updated: Sep 22, 2021

NGSS, Next Generation Science Standards, have great teaching practices imbedded within the standards; the Science and Engineering Practices, SEP's, are a great example of this. Before we get into those let's take a trip down memory lane. When I was in middle school modelling a scientific process or phenomena involved me, the student, recreating a model that was already created with little to know room for reflecting on my learning process. The models were created by following the directions to create a product that is the same as everybody else's in the room.

NGSS changes all of that, with SEP of developing and using models the students' learning becomes visible. Unlike models of the past NGSS focuses on how scientists use models to represent learning over time. Models should be a tool used to make sense of phenomena over time. As students acquire new information their models in turn should be revised over time reflecting their learning process. The initial model of a concept should be different than a model at the end of a lesson sequence.

Scientific modelling is dynamic and change over time just as a students understanding of a concept becomes more accurate and complex over time.

Tips for Incorporating Models in your Classroom

In the classroom I try to keep the instructions for modelling simple. Since models are used as a sense making tool it is important to allow the students a low risk environment for them to fully express what they know or believe to know about the subject. Students' ideas need to be validated in order to help them develop their schema.

Students should have a shared experience in the classroom in order to help develop the content they need. This could be in the form of a lab, reading, video etc.
It is important to allow the students to model their misconceptions about the content, this is where the learning is happening
Models should be revised at least once
Co-construct models in class together
Keep it simple. The only requirements I have for models are they need: labels, pictures and connections (how the pieces all work together)

Incorporating modelling into your classroom allows the students a tool for reflection through sense making.

Student Examples

The image to the left is an initial model for the investigative phenomena of a lava lamp. In the unit students investigated how thermal energy affects the motion of molecules. After the class inquiry, using hot water and room temperature with food coloring, students returned to their models and revised them based on their newly acquired knowledge.