The National Science Education Standards (NSES) emphasize the use of models in science instruction by making it one of the five unifying concepts of science, applicable to all grade levels. The NSES recommend that models be a focus of instruction--helping students understand the use of evidence in science, make and test predictions, use logic, and assemble their own understanding of how things work. This book is designed to help earth science educators effectively use models in their teaching. Each chapter explores how to recognize, use, and avoid misusing models in: (1) understanding models; (2) similes, analogies, and metaphors; (3) concrete models; (4) mathematical models; (5) computer technology and modeling; (6) inquiry and model building; and (7) models and teaching the nature of science. (Author/MVL)