The basic idea of mathematical modeling is to find a mathematical relationship
that behaves in the same ways as the objects or processes under investigation.
A mathematical model may give insight about how something really works
or may fit observations very well without any intuitive meaning.
NSES Content Standard A
Science as Inquiry: Understanding about scientific inquiry Grades 9-12, page 175 Mathematics is essential in scientific inquiry. Mathematical tools and models guide and improve the posing of questions, gathering data, constructiong explanations and communicating results. See also the general discussion in Unifying Concepts and Processes:
Evidence, models, and explanation.
|