Modeling Skills in the Physics Lab: Using the Model of the Brain as an Ecosystem

Developing strong modeling skills is essential for scientific reasoning and experimentation. Traditional laboratory instruction often emphasizes mastering specific models rather than constructing and testing them, limiting students' ability to develop flexible, adaptive mental frameworks. This talk presents an alternative approach that encourages students to propose, test, and refine their own models based on observations. Inspired by the metaphor of the brain as an ecosystem, this method aims to help students recognize the diverse models they use to interpret the world. Models are evaluated based on their predictive power and usefulness within defined limits rather than as strictly right or wrong. By engaging with models from multiple disciplines, students cultivate creativity, adaptability, and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills.