A conceptual model in science is a simplified, abstract representation of a complex system or process, designed to help understand, explain, and predict its behavior. Unlike physical models, which are tangible and often scaled-down versions of real objects, conceptual models are more about organizing and illustrating ideas, relationships, and mechanisms in a way that highlights the essential features and interactions of the system being studied.
Examples
Diagrams:
Ecosystem Diagrams: Showing the relationships between organisms and their environment.(Slides)
Flow charts:
Carbon Cycle Diagram: Representation of the movement of carbon through the Earth's systems. (PhET)
Food Webs: Diagrams showing the feeding relationships between organisms in SoCal environment (Slides)
Energy Conversion Flowcharts: (Gizmos)
Mindmaps:
DNA (Coggle)
Solar System (Coggle)
Human Body Systems ; Visual representations of ideas and their connections. (Coggle)
Water Cycle Diagram: Representation of processes involved in the movement of water.
Flowcharts: Diagrams showing the steps in a process or system.
Nitrogen Cycle Diagram: Showing the processes involved in the nitrogen cycle.
Rock Cycle Diagram: Depicting the transformation of rocks through various geological processes.
Energy Flow Diagrams: Representing the flow of energy through an ecosystem.
Climate Change Models: Conceptual representations of factors influencing climate change.