Synectic Model

Lesson Title: Cell Analogy

Targeted Grade Level: 9th

Academic Subject: Science

Lesson Goals:

The learners will apply their knowledge of cell organelle functions in a eukaryotic
cell to real world examples by creating an analogy comparing a city to a eukaryotic
cell. Students will use their knowledge of eukaryotic cell organelles to compare and
contrast the functions to the functions of different places found within a city.

Lesson Objectives:

 Explain and identify the differences in cell organelle functions

 Apply knowledge of cell organelles found in a eukaryotic cell
 Identify real-world connections to cell functions

Materials/Resources Needed:

 Poster board for each student

 Markers
 Work sheet (draft for analogies with explanations)

Lesson Components:

Phase 1: Description of Concept

The teacher will begin by identifying the concept of cell organelle functions that are
going to be covered in their activity. Students have prior knowledge of cell organelle
function, but it will be reviewed prior to the lesson.

Phase 2: Direct Analogy

The teacher will introduce the direct analogy that a cell can be represented by many
things, such as a factory, a school, or even a city.

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EDUC 6330 | Lesson Plan Template
Phase 3: Personal Analogy
The teacher will spark a discussion by inviting students to discuss and brainstorm
characteristics of each and how they might relate to a eukaryotic cell. Beginning with a
school as a classroom example and initial introduction to thinking outside the box about a
cell.

Phase 4: Comparing/Contrasting Analogies

The teacher will continue to guide the students in comparing and contrasting a
eukaryotic cell’s organelle functions to different things.

Phase 5: New Analogy

The teacher will direct students to make a new analogy of their own by creating a “cell
city.” The teacher will explain the directions on the worksheet that acts as a rough draft and
the teacher will guide students in the steps. Students will work individually at lab tables and
begin by identifying the functions of each cell organelle on their worksheet. From there,
they will come up with an analogy that corresponds with that organelle function that can
be found in a city and explain the reasoning on the worksheet. Once completed and
functions checked by the teacher, students will use their worksheet to illustrate their “Cell
City” on a poster- board using color and visuals. Students will complete their “Cell City” in
class (the teacher will check functions not necessarily the specific analogy due to students
making their own connects as long as they are able to explain their reasoning on the
analogy they created).

Evaluation:

The next day, students will be able to do a gallery walk and view all the “Cell Cities” created
by their classmates providing positive and constructive feedback and identifying analogies
they may not have thought of before and look for creative responses.
The teacher will be consistently checking for understanding of cell organelle functions prior
to students beginning their final draft on their poster board. The teacher will provide
feedback during the gallery walk and check the worksheet. The teacher is focusing on
evaluating the student’s ability to identify the correct function with each organelle and to
show deeper understanding based on their written explanations of analogies of the
function on their worksheet. The teacher should focus their feedback on helping students
stretch their thinking rather than placing a limit on creativity.

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EDUC 6330 | Lesson Plan Template