Models are simplified representations of complex systems or ideas that help us understand and predict how things work. For example, a scale model of a building allows architects to visualize the structure before it's built. Similarly, mathematical models use equations to describe real-world phenomena, like predicting weather patterns or economic trends. In science, models can also refer to physical objects, like a globe representing Earth, or conceptual frameworks, like the atomic model that explains the structure of atoms. By using models, we can explore possibilities, test hypotheses, and communicate ideas more effectively.