In order to predict things like the weather, climate change, or even election results, scientists use a tool called a mathematical model.
So just how do scientists predict something as complicated as the weather, and why are they so often wrong about it? We eventually made it back to our warm dry house, but the soaked children voiced several complaints about the forecast and vowed never to trust the weatherman again. Soon the drizzle turned into a downpour, complete with hail and lightning. Unfortunately, he must have forgotten to mention this to the clouds because a slow drizzle started to fall as we rode. We weren't worried however, because it was only 3pm and the weatherman said it wouldn't start raining until after 7pm and even then we could expect just some light showers.
We were on our way home when the skies started to look dark. Last week, I went on a three-mile bike ride with my kids. Scientific American and Quick & Dirty Tips are both Macmillan companies.
Scientific American presents Everyday Einstein by Quick & Dirty Tips.
