Year 8 Science · Unit 4 · Lesson 16

Computer-Based Models and Simulations

Foundation Worksheet

Name
Date
Class

Learning Goals

Warm Up

Order the steps

Running a computer-based model follows five stages. Number the stages from 1 (first) to 5 (last) to show the correct order.

Order (1-5)Stage
The computer calculates the system step by step into the future.
Compare the outputs with real observations to validate the model.
Collect starting data that describes the system right now.
Display the outputs as numbers, graphs or animations.
Set the rules and equations for how the system behaves.

Your Turn

Sort it!

Each statement below is about computer-based models. Write each statement letter into the correct column: is it an INPUT, an OUTPUT, a STRENGTH or a LIMITATION? Each column should receive at least one statement.

A. Today's measured temperature, wind and humidity from across Australia. B. A map showing where a bushfire is likely to spread in the next few hours. C. The model lets scientists test 'what if emissions doubled' without changing the real world. D. If the starting data is wrong, the prediction will be wrong too. E. The rules describing how warm air rises and cools. F. A graph projecting global temperature for the next 50 years. G. Predictions become less certain the further into the future they reach. H. Simulations can model dangerous events like floods safely on a screen.

Input

Output

Strength

Limitation

Show What You Know

1. Explain in one sentence what a computer-based model is.

Recall 2 marks

2. Name one real Australian computer model and state what system it represents.

Recall 2 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, why can a computer model be wrong even though computers do not make calculation mistakes?

HSCScience · Year 8 Science · Unit 4 · Lesson 16 · Foundation Worksheet