Analogy as Scientific Model

Developing analogies can be a powerful learning strategy! It helps students recall information and make conceptual understanding "stick." An effective analogy can be used as a scientific model for an unfamiliar system or phenomena, especially one that is unobservable. When analogies are employed in science, tough, we must take care to ensure the analogies do not support misconceptions.

Cell Analogy Poster Project
​In my 5th grade science class cell unit, I challenge students with a Cell Analogy Poster (CAP) project. Students compare a plant or animal cell to a familiar non-living system, object or community with many different parts (ex: the Boston Red Sox, a motorcycle, Dunkin’ Donuts, a hotel, a hospital, etc...), and analyze how each part has a role similar to the function of each cell organelle. 

Traders Joe's as a cell

Amazon as a cell

The first step is to brainstorm unique analogy ideas; students are encouraged to choose something that relates to their hobbies or other interests. Next, students complete a Planning Sheet by comparing their system/object/community’s component parts to a different cell organelle based on shared functions. Once their Planning Sheets are approved, students illustrate their analogy on a poster as a form of creative science communication.

Some students found and printed images from websites

Some students created original art

After completing their posters, students are encouraged to reflect on the benefits and limitations of their analogy as a scientific model. The activity is a great way for students to showcase their artistic talents while sense-making, and everyone appreciates the choice and self-expression incorporated in the project.

Below are some more samples of excellent student work to check out. There's quite a diversity of topics represented.

What would you compare to a cell?