Analogies

Teaching with analogies (TWA) - Strategy

1. Introduce the target concept 

2. Review the analogue concept 

3. Identify the relevant features of target and analogue 

4. Map similarities between the target and analogue

5. Indicate the limitations of the analogy 

6. Draw conclusions

(10.1) Science Analogies

• Slides - Analogies | Copy 

• CSCS actvitiy - Analogies 

• Analogies as a way of scaffolding. 

(10.2) Analogies for Learning Physics

1. Angular acceleration is analogous to linear acceleration...

2. A mirror is analogous to a breakwater... 

3. Optical density is analogous to the shallowness of water… 

4. Sound waves are analogous to compression waves on a Slinky®...

5. The wave mechanical model of the atom is analogous to a power boat …

6. The emission of energy from a quasar is analogous to the heat generated at the entrance to a stadium...

7. Develop an analogy for your own topic.

(10.3) Analogies for Learning Chemistry

1. Atomic spectra are analogous to fingerprints…

2. Phases of matter are analogous to stages of a school day…

3. Chemical reactions are analogous to dances…

4. Reactions are analogous to factory production…

5. Collision geometry is analogous to a jigsaw puzzle… 

6. The mean free path is analogous to the movement of bumper cars...

7. Develop a chemistry analogy for a topic of your choice.

(10.4) Analogies for Learning Biology

1. Binomial nomenclature is analogous to human names…

2. Blood vessels are analogous to a road system…  

3. The immune system is analogous to a security guard…

4. The eye is analogous to a television camera…

5. Electron transport chains are analogous to balls rolling down staircases…

6. The movement of an action potential along an axon is analogous to the movement of a spectator “wave” at a sports stadium…

7. Develop a biology analogy for a topic of your choice.

(10.5) Analogies for Learning Earth and Space Science 

1. The relative dimensions in a cross-section of the Earth are analogous to the relative dimensions in the cross-section of a peach.

2. Rocks are analogous to Silly Putty®.

3. The formation of spiral galaxies is analogous to the formation of pizza crust from raw dough.

4. Pulsars are analogous to lights on emergency vehicles.

5. Spacetime is analogous to a trampoline.

6. The expanding universe is analogous to a rising loaf of raisin bread.

7. Develop an Earth or space science analogy for a topic of your choice.

(10.6) Analogies for Health & Physiology

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