Develop a Model to Represent the Natural World
TEKS Objective
The student is expected to represent the natural world using models such as rivers, stream tables, or fossils and identify their limitations, including accuracy and size.
Essential Understanding
The student uses critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions.
Science Background
A Closer Look, Scientific Models: Annenberg Learner (website) - Important information about scientific models, what they are, how they are developed, how and why they change over time, and what their limitations are.
A Closer Look, Scientific Models
Annenberg Learner (website), www.learner.org
Models are the Building Blocks of Science: The University of Texas (website) - Online article discusses different types of models, and explains their purpose and importance in the scientific world and other disciplines.
Models are the Building Blocks of Science
The University of Texas (website), www.utexas.edu
Signature Lesson
Erosion and Deposition: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Education Programs (website) - Students will: 1) observe and identify agents of erosion and deposition by examining the features formed and the processes that influenced their formation; and 2) represent the natural world by constructing detailed models that illustrate human impact on the environment.
- Supporting Lessons
- Extensions
- Assessment Ideas
- Literature Connections
- Related
TEKS - Additional Resources
Supporting Lessons
Using a Stream Table to Investigate Erosion Control: Maine Geological Survey (PDF) - Investigate different methods of controlling water-induced topsoil erosion.
Using a Stream Table to Investigate Erosion Control
Maine Geological Survey, www.maine.gov
Elaboration Lessons and Extensions
Make a Model Fossil: Minnesota Science Teachers Education Project (website) - Students model the process of fossilization by creating molds and/or casts from natural objects found locally.
Make a Model Fossil
Minnesota Science Teachers Education Project (website), www.serc.carleton.edu
Assessment Ideas
Have students bring recycling materials from home and use the materials to build a model water system or a fossil.
Literature Connections
Kids’ Paper Airplane Book. Blackburrn, Ken (ISBN-13: 978-0761104780)
The LEGO Ideas Book. Lipkowitz, Daniel (ISBN-13: 978-0756686062)
Additional Resources
Earth Science Week: American Geosciences Institute (website) - Links to numerous, diverse activities that use models of earth science processes and structures.
Earth Science Week
American Geosciences Institute (website), www.earthsciweek.org
TEKS Navigation
Grade 4
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