diff --git a/panel/scopes/scopes.js b/panel/scopes/scopes.js
index c886b57..8032c93 100644
--- a/panel/scopes/scopes.js
+++ b/panel/scopes/scopes.js
@@ -16,6 +16,14 @@ function ScopesController($scope, inspectedApp) {
 
   $scope.inspectedScope = null;
 
+  // expand models the fist time we inspect a scope
+  var cancelWatch = $scope.$watch('inspectedScope', function (newScope) {
+    if (newScope) {
+      $scope.modelsExpanded = true;
+      cancelWatch();
+    }
+  })
+
   $scope.$on('inspected-scope:change', function (ev, data) {
     inspectScope(data.id);
   });