Why Models are Advantageous to Learning Science

Models are used routinely in science classes to help explain scientific concepts; however, students are often unaware of the role, limitations and purpose of the particular model being used. This study investigated Years 8-11 students' views on models in science and used these results to propose a framework to show how models are involved in learning. The results show that students' understanding of the role of models in learning science improved in later grades and that many students were able to distinguish the purpose of scientific models from teaching models. The results are used to identify the criteria students use to classify models and to support pedagogical approaches of using models in teaching science.