A scientific model earns its value by explaining and predicting
A student draws particles in a puddle and predicts that water can evaporate without boiling. The prediction shows whether the model connects observations to a meaningful mechanism.
Define the model’s purpose
A model may explain particle behaviour, forces or energy transfer. It should be appropriate to the scientific question.
Identify assumptions
Simplifications help learning but can limit where a model applies.
Make a testable prediction
State what should happen under specified conditions if the model is useful.
Compare with evidence
Use observations or suitable investigations to evaluate the prediction.
Revise when necessary
Unexpected results may reveal measurement problems, missing variables or weaknesses in the model.
Transfer to unfamiliar cases
Ask learners to apply the same mechanism to new contexts without copying the original example.
Break-test: the model explains the first case but predicts the second incorrectly
Can the student identify the limitation and improve the explanation?
Connected knowledge
See Explanatory Model Revision, Conceptual Change Assessment and MOE Syllabuses.