Creating Models in Science

The practices that describe behaviors that scientists engage in as they investigate and build models and theories about the natural world are a big part of the Next Generation Science Standards.   Sixth graders teamed up to build models of the path of a river from the divide to the delta.   

6B created the different elevations using their best engineering minds and a lot of paper.  6C took over and covered the terrain with foil.  They created the river pathway showing how the v-shaped valleys are formed and finished with meanders leading to the delta.  6A covered the model with sand and rock and designed alluvial fans at the base of the mountain range and deltas at the mouth of the river.