Concept+Map

**What Are They?**
A concept map is a diagram showing the relationships among concepts. It is a graphical tool for organizing and representing knowledge.

In order to help students to make meaningful connections between the main idea and other information.
Provide students with a concept map after having them read about a difficult topic. Have students make their own concept map as a way to assess them after they read a passage. Use them as a whole class, as a large group, individually, or in small groups.

**Articles**
teacher using concept maps This article explains one way that a teacher decided to use concepts in the classroom. Each group of students was assigned to a different and specific topic that they were to present to the rest of the class. They were to be the "teacher" to the rest of the class and present all of their information using concept maps in order to narrow down the main ideas of their assigned topic.

Using concept maps to assess This webpage gives yet another unique way to use concept maps in the classroom. It gives teachers the idea to use concept maps to assess students and their understanding of a topic. For example, you could have students read about a topic and instead of giving them a test on the material, you could have them create a concept map addressing the main ideas.

**MY SILLY SAMPLE**




 * Student Activity **

Subject: Social Studies Grade: 8th

I will have my students research an influential person in history, such as Benjamin Franklin. Once they have their research complete, they will put together a concept map and outline which gives a overview of who that person is. They will use the program Inspiration to create their concept map. The will present their featured person to the class using a SMART board.


 * Student Sample **










 * Rubric **





STANDARDS MET DURING THIS ACTIVITY

Social Studies, Standard B: History
 * B.8.7 Identify significant events and people in the major eras of United States and world history

ISTE Standard 6b
 * Select and use applications effectively and productively