This study describes the experiences of 10- and 11-year-old students with building science models during a unit on weather. With the teacher, we prepared and gathered materials for the students to use in the building of dynamic physical models demonstrating the key features of the weather concepts they were learning. An important aspect of the approach used in the construction of the models was that students were given a significant amount of time to build and explore their models. Students were interviewed following the completion of the unit and their comments suggest that they began to understand the value of the building activities. The enthusiasm for the activities demonstrated by the students also helped increased the meaning the construction held for them. This enthusiasm combined with an increased confidence helped create an environment where students were excited about science and were better able to display their understanding of concepts.