The value of models and modelling to traditional scientific research is well documented
(Black 1962). Models are important in scientific research both in formulating
hypotheses to be tested and in describing scientific phenomena (Gilbert, J.
1995). In the past decade the value of models and modelling to science education
has been increasingly recognized among the science education reform movements
(National Science Board Commission on Precollege Education in Mathematics
1983, Giere 1991, NRC 1996, AAAS 1993). At present, models and modelling
are considered integral parts of scientific literacy (Gilbert and Boulter 1998,
Gilbert, S. 1991, Gilbert, J. 1993, Linn and Muilenberg 1996, Perkins 1986).