Concept Mapping What are Concept Maps? Concept maps visually show the relationship between terms or concepts. Their purpose is to help you to understand the important connections between concepts in science. Developing concept maps can be fun, but also difficult, and sometimes frustrating, and you may be tempted to take the easier route and simply study a concept map constructed by someone else. However, it is the process of struggling through the development of the concept map that will help you synthesize concepts and retain knowledge. In the end, the final product will probably be of less use to you than the misconceptions you uncover, and the deeper understanding you gain as a result of actually developing, justifying, and defending a map that you construct collaboratively with other classmates. The next slide gives an example of a concept map of the concept of concept mapping! There are also several other examples of maps of other concepts in subsequent slides.

Constructing a Concept Map Write the terms on post-it notes, or index cards. Together with a few study partners, organize the terms on a large sheet of paper (large “Post It” note, or easel pad) or on a chalk/white board according to logical relations between terms. Often it is best to start with the most inclusive terms or concepts at the top of the page and work down to more specific details, or at the center of the page and work out from the center. Once you have the terms organized, draw lines (use pencil to do this initially) that logically connect individual terms or phrases, and write a word or brief phrase next to the line that explains the connection. You can also use different colored lines to show distinct “concept routes” within the whole map. Try and make as many connections as you can. If you are working with others this will engender much discussion about how the map should be organized and will reveal where you are not making important conceptual connection or are making inaccurate connections. Remember DISCUSSING will help you LEARN and REMEMBER! Once you have completed your map, remove the post-it notes or index cards, and write the terms/phrases directly on the sheet of paper. This will give you a permanent record of your concept map.

A concept map using a white board and sticky pads!

Electron Transport Chain Good connecting phrases explicitly show how terms are logically connected, highlight roles, functions or examples connecting the two concepts. A poor connection: goes to NADH Electron Transport Chain A much better connection: carries high energy electrons to NADH Electron Transport Chain

Evaluation of Concept Maps Critically assessing concept maps created by a classmate can be an effective way of revealing undiscovered misconceptions or missing connections. While assessing another map, correct inaccurate or vague connections, and add connecting lines and terms where you feel connections are missing. Use a different color marker to differentiate your comments or changes.