Cells, the basic units of life, are compared to individual Lego bricks and blocks in a house. Teachers can use this analogy and hook to engage students in what can be a difficult topic to visualise and grasp.
Theory behind the hook
This hook makes links to students’ prior knowledge by using an everyday example of bricks and blocks that are used to build Lego houses and real houses. In this way students will be able to relate to the topic being introduced.
How this hook works
Cells are described as being similar to building blocks or Lego bricks. The Lego bricks or building blocks are used to build Lego houses and real houses. Cells are like the Lego bricks or building blocks and are the basic building blocks of life and make up all living things.
Questions & Answers
- What are the two different types of cell?
Animal cell and plant cell. - What is the main difference between animal and plant cells?
Plant cells have a cell wall.
Cross Curricular Links
Links can be made to Junior Certificate Home Economics as cells are covered in the biology section.
Numeracy
By examining plant and animal cells under the microscope, students can count the number of cells they see in each sample.
