Introducing the concept of somatotypes

An interesting way of introducing this concept to a class is to ask two students to stand in front of the class. The students should be selected because they have very different somatotypes (perhaps an ectomorph and an endomorph). However, the students will not be provided with this information just yet. Instead, they will be asked to describe the two students. The teacher will write the description of the two students on the board. The students should all agree that the two students are very different physically. The teacher will then ask the class: "Why do you think these students look so different?". Students will probably give reasons such as exercise or eating habits. Teacher will say "Some of what you are saying is correct. However, did you know that not all of our bodies are built the same? People have different body types which are known as somatotypes."

Note: This activity can also be done with pictures of famous athletes, for example, a long distance runner and a sprinter.