An example of a teaching analogy:
"Just because two molecules collide does not necessarily mean that they will react with each other. A successful collision may require that the two molecules or species must collide with the correct collision geometry, that is, be oriented in just the correct fashion so that certain atoms will encounter each other during the collision. It is similar to saying that when putting a piece into a jigsaw puzzle, you can't just put it in any way you want – the piece will only fit successfully if it is the right side up and is turned with the correct orientation so that the projections and indentations match up – that is, it must have the correct 'collision geometry'."
Source: Murray Hart, retired science teacher, previously posted at scienceanalogies.com
Read examples of scientific analogies
Many examples of science analogies are listed in 'Creative comparisons: Making science familiar through language. An illustrative catalogue of figurative comparisons and analogies for science concepts'. Free Download.
