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Simulations & Models

Eighth graders learn how computers model the real world. A simulation runs a model of a system — weather, traffic, an ecosystem — so you can test ideas that would be too costly, slow, or dangerous in real life. They test the idea, then design a simple model.

Grade 8Simulations & Models50 minutes1 class periodCSTA / ISTEExplicit teaching4 StandardsCSTA
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Lesson at a Glance

Everything you need before the bell rings

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to…

  • ✓Explain a simulation.
  • ✓Say why models are useful.
  • ✓Connect data to predictions.
  • ✓Design a simple model.
Essential Question

How do computer models help us predict and understand the world?

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Lesson Phases
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Vocabulary Terms
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Standards Aligned
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Interactive Task
Check It · Interactive

What Is a Simulation?

Project each item and have students answer about simulations and models.

🔬 Understand simulations and modelsTry it
Answer each question about simulations and models.
The Lesson · Use → Modify → Create (a coding progression with Unplugged practice)

50 minutes, five moves

Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.

1

Hook — Test Without the Risk

6 min

How do engineers crash-test a car a thousand times?

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Show a virtual crash test.
  • Ask why not use real cars.
  • Set the goal.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Look.
  • Guess.
  • Get ready.
2

Use — Simulations & Models

12 min

Students use the idea.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Send students to What Is a Simulation?
  • Note model imitates a system.
  • Note data to predictions.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Answer.
  • Note it.
  • Note it.
3

Modify — Change a Variable

13 min

Students modify.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Change one input in a model.
  • Predict the new outcome.
  • Run it and compare.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Change.
  • Predict.
  • Compare.
4

Create — Model It

13 min

Students create.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Pick a system (dice, population).
  • List its rules and inputs.
  • Describe what you would predict.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Pick.
  • List.
  • Predict.
5

Reflect — Reflect

6 min

Students close.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Say what a simulation is.
  • Say one benefit.
  • Complete the exit ticket.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Say it.
  • Say.
  • Complete the exit ticket.
Standards Alignment

Built to the standards you report on

Aligned to the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards and the ISTE Standards for Students.

CSTA
2-DA-09

Use and refine models to make predictions.

CSTA
2-DA-08

Collect data and create visualizations.

CSTA
2-AP-13

Decompose a system into rules and inputs.

ISTE
5 Computational Thinker

Build and test models.

Differentiation

One lesson, every learner

Multilingual Learners

ELL / EMERGING READERS
  • Use a dice-roll model.
  • Frame: “imitate ___ to study it.”
  • Pair talk first.

Support & Access

IEP / 504
  • Use a simple coin-flip model.
  • One variable to change.
  • Use pictures.

Stretch & Extend

GIFTED / EARLY FINISHERS
  • Add randomness to a model.
  • Run many trials; chart results.
  • Discuss model limits.
Materials

What to gather

  • 📽️Screen / board
  • 🎲Dice / spinners
  • 💻What Is a Simulation?
  • 📊Trial results sheet
  • 📓Notebooks
  • 🎫Exit-ticket slips
Vocabulary

Key terms — hover for a quick definition

simulationrunning a model to imitate a systemmodela simplified version of a real systemvariablean input you can changepredictiona likely outcome from the modeltrialone run of a simulationrandomnessbuilt-in chance in a modeldatathe information a model useslimitationwhat a model leaves out
Evaluate

Exit Ticket

Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.

QUESTION 1
What is a simulation?
A model that imitates a real system so you can study it safely.
QUESTION 2
Why are simulations useful?
They test ideas that are too costly, slow, or dangerous in real life.
QUESTION 3
Where does a weather forecast come from?
Running models on lots of data.

Reflect: simulations & models.

Have students describe one system they could model with a simulation. A printable simulation worksheet is in the Computer Science library.

Study · Flashcards

Study the key terms

Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.

🃏 CS Simulations and Models (Grade 8)Flip
Card 1
Term
Tap to flip →
Meaning
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Practice · Quiz

Check your understanding

A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.

📝 CS Simulations and Models (Grade 8)Quiz
Score: 0
1 / 6
Question 1
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Practice · Worksheet

Printable worksheet

A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.

🖨️ CS Simulations and Models (Grade 8)Print
Name: ________________________
Date: ____________

Part A · Write the word that matches each meaning

Word bank: data, limitation, model, prediction, randomness, simulation, trial, variable
  1. an input you can change
  2. running a model to imitate a system
  3. one run of a simulation
  4. a likely outcome from the model
  5. built-in chance in a model
  6. a simplified version of a real system
  7. what a model leaves out
  8. the information a model uses

Part B · Show what you learned

  1. What is a simulation?
  2. Why are simulations useful?
  3. Where does a weather forecast come from?
Answer key — Part A: 1) variable · 2) simulation · 3) trial · 4) prediction · 5) randomness · 6) model · 7) limitation · 8) data
Part B: 1) A model that imitates a real system so you can study it safely. 2) They test ideas that are too costly, slow, or dangerous in real life. 3) Running models on lots of data.