What+is+Modeling?

This will become clearer as we go, but one critical piece to take away is an understanding of the essential core of the modeling method. Yes, you'll get a toolbox of useful, research-validated pedagogical tools and ideas. But there is also a framework of essential ideas. What, when you really come down to it, is modeling? As you start to feel you have a good answer to this, please post your thoughts, and we can watch as this idea becomes more firmly solidified.