Scientific system models - Developing models is fundamental to the sciences because models allow scientists to represent, explain, and predict complex systems and phenomena that cannot be directly observed or easily tested. Through models—conceptual, mathematical, or computational—scientists can explore relationships, test hypotheses, and refine understanding as new evidence emerges. However, the value of model development extends well beyond the sciences. In fields such as social studies, economics, engineering, and even language arts, models help learners organize information, examine cause-and-effect relationships, and make informed decisions. By engaging in model-building, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and systems-level reasoning skills that are transferable across disciplines, supporting deeper understanding and more effective learning in a wide range of contexts.
A system can be understood as a set of interconnected parts that work together, while a model is a simplified representation of that system used to analyze how it functions. Models are heavily used in the sciences to explain, predict, and test complex phenomena, and the same tools can be applied across other fields of study to represent systems, analyze relationships, and support understanding and decision-making.
Language conventions system (ELA) – grammar, syntax, punctuation, vocabulary, and usage interacting to support clear communication.
Legal system (Law / Civics) – laws, courts, judges, lawyers, enforcement agencies, and citizens interacting to interpret and uphold justice.
Social system (Sociology) – individuals, groups, norms, roles, institutions, and cultural values interacting to shape behavior and relationships.
Language system (Linguistics) – sounds, symbols, grammar, meaning, context, and speakers interacting to enable communication.
Visual art system (Art) – artists, materials, techniques, visual elements, styles, audiences, and cultural context interacting to create and interpret artwork.
Sports system (Physical Education) – athletes, coaches, rules, equipment, officials, teams, and spectators interacting to organize and regulate competition.
Human body system (Health / Biology) – organs, tissues, cells, biochemical processes, and regulatory mechanisms interacting to maintain homeostasis.
Solution system (Chemistry) – solutes, solvents, concentration, temperature, and mixing processes interacting to form homogeneous mixtures.
Water cycle system (Earth Science) – evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, groundwater, and solar energy interacting to circulate water on Earth.
Algebraic system (Mathematics) – variables, constants, equations, operations, and functions interacting to model relationships.
Electrical circuit system (Physics) – power sources, conductors, loads, switches, and current flow interacting to transmit electricity.
Historical system (History) – events, people, ideas, geography, resources, and timelines interacting to shape outcomes.
Cultural system (Social Studies) – beliefs, values, traditions, language, art, and social structures interacting to form identities.
Geographic system (Geography) – physical features, human activity, resources, climate, and spatial relationships interacting to influence settlement.
Network system (Computer Science) – devices, connections, protocols, data transmission, and security interacting to enable communication.