Same Science › Explaining results › Drawing scientific models
What is a scientific model in homework?
In science class a model is a drawing (or object) that explains how something works, not just what it looks like. It has labels for the parts, arrows for what moves or changes (water, energy, food), and often a before and after. A pretty picture of a cloud isn't a model; a cloud with arrows showing water evaporating and falling as rain is.
- Labels name the important parts.
- Arrows show what moves or changes, and in which direction.
- A model explains how, not just what it looks like.
Why schools teach it
Models show thinking, not drawing skill
Developing and using models is one of the eight NGSS science practices, from third grade on. Students draw models of the water cycle, food webs, circuits, particles and more.
Teachers grade the science, not the art. A stick-figure model with the right labels and arrows scores higher than a beautiful one without them.
At the kitchen table
What to say, and what to skip
Say this
What are the important parts? Are they labeled?
What moves or changes? Show it with an arrow.
Which way does the arrow go, and why?
Could someone learn how it works from your drawing?
Skip this
- Spending the time on coloring.Labels and arrows matter more than color.
- Arrows without meaning.Every arrow should show something moving: water, energy, food, particles.
- Drawing it for them.Ask what happens first, then next.
See it in action
Modeling a food chain
Draw and label the parts
sun, grass, rabbit, foxAdd arrows in the direction energy flows
sun → grass → rabbit → foxLabel the roles
producer, first consumer, second consumer
In food chains the arrow points to the eater: energy goes from grass to the rabbit.
Free practice sheet
Make a scientific model sheet
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Parents: tell your child's teacher about this guide
Parents also ask
Is a model always a drawing?
No. It can be a physical model, a diagram, a graph or even a computer simulation. Homework models are usually drawings.
Which way do food chain arrows point?
From the food to the eater, showing the direction energy moves.
What is an “initial model”?
A first try at explaining something, drawn early in a unit and revised as the class learns more.
Do models have to be correct?
Early models can be wrong. Revising a model with new evidence is part of the practice.