While researchers used terms (such as processes, products, and practice discussed above) interchangeably which create confusions of the emphasis of the studies on models and modeling in science, we propose model- ing competence as including three aspects (see Fig. 1): MMingK, practice, and metacognitive knowledge of models and modeling in science learning in which MMingK refers to knowledge of models and modeling (including the use and function of models), metacogni- tive knowledge of models and modeling refers to the awareness of modeling processes, and in particular, prac- tice including not only the processes but also the products of the modeling practices, both should be distinct and dif- ferentiated by teachers, students, as well as researchers.