Page 64 - Computing Book 4

Modelling and Simulation Class 4

Modelling and Simulation

A Model:

When students entered the classroom, they saw something that looked like a doll’s house in the school
hallway. They saw someone explaining about it to the school’s headmistress “I wonder what that really
is”, said one of the students pointing towards it. Let’s ask our teacher, suggested another student.

The teacher explained, “this is a real model of the new computer lab which will be built for our school”.
As you are aware, designing and making a building involves a lot of money, so we cannot afford to
make mistakes. Therefore, we have built this model to see if this is what the real computer lab should
look like. If there is no problem with the design, then the architect can go ahead and start building it.

A model is useful as it gives an idea of what the outcome will be like. For example, a factory which
manufactures cars can make a model of a car using a computer to see what it will look like. If they
think it is good, they can then start making cars according to that design.

Simulation:

Simulations show us how something will react when in real-life scenarios. For example, the car
modelled in the factory will be tested using a simulation program on the computer. The simulation
program will show what happens to the car when the brakes are applied while travelling at different
speeds.
From that, the car designer will know whether it is safe to build the car, or if some changes are needed
to make sure that it is safe. In this way, testing the design will not harm anyone and it is not too
expensive to try again after modifications have been made

The City School /Academics/Computing Curriculum/Class 4/2020-2021 Page 63 of 73