Concept Mapping

Skyline High School IB Biology

If you have a question, comment or concern, please email Ms. vB or call 425.837.7817.



	Course Information
	Syllabus Statements
	Internal Assessment
	Current Unit IB Bio I
	Current Unit IB Bio II
	Class Calendar IB Bio I
	Class Calendar IB Bio II
	Notebook Check IB Bio I
	Notebook Check IB Bio II

Concept maps harness the power of our vision to understand complex information "at-a-glance." It is easier for the brain to make meaning when information is presented in visual formats. This is why a picture is worth a thousand words

Making Draft Maps

	After a topic is discussed in class, make a map to represent the information presented. It is recommended that you add a little bit to your map each day as new material is learned, rather than trying to create the unit concept map all at once.
	Use single words or simple phrases for information. Single strong words and evocative phrases can convey meaning. Excess words just clutter the concept map, and take time to write down.
	Be sure to ALWAYS include the key terms that are listed for each unit. They provide a convenient overview of some very complex information.

Revising Maps

	Revise your maps to refine them: Are they clear? Logical? Attractive? Good maps are like good writing; they are usually the product of several drafts.
	Show a map to your teacher and friends to get feedback. Use the scoring rubric provided as a guide.

Creative Tips for Making Maps

	Use shapes, arrows or BOLD words for emphasis.
	Use colors to separate different ideas; this will help your mind to separate ideas where that is necessary, and helps visualization of the concept map for recall. Color also helps to show organization.
	Integrate visuals with the text. Where a symbol means something to you, and conveys more information than words, use it. Pictures help you to remember information.
	Print words -- joined up or indistinct writing can be more difficult to read and less attractive to look at.
	Use computer software such as “Inspiration” or this free concept mapping software to make a digital concept map.

Scoring

With so many concept maps to score, the amount of time given to examining each individual student's concept map is limited to only about 20 seconds. Seems short? Try examining 1 piece of paper for 20 seconds and you will realize that 20 seconds is plenty of time to get a sense of the understanding displayed in the concept map. Here is what is looked for:

CATEGORY	Exemplary (5 points)	Proficient (3 points)	Developing (1 point)
Arrangement of Concepts	Main concept easily identified; subconcepts branch appropriately from main idea.	Main concept easily identified; most subconcepts branch from main idea.	Main concept not clearly identified; subconcepts don’t consistently branch from main idea.
Logic	Understanding of facts and concepts is clearly demonstrated by correct links and action verbs.	Understand of facts and concepts is demonstrated but with some errors (e.g. incorrect links and verbs).	Poor understanding of facts or concepts with significant errors.
Links	Linking lines connect related terms/point in correct direction with arrow; linking words accurately describe relationship between concepts. Links can be read individually (not as part of a chain).	Most linking lines connect properly; most linking words accurately describe the relationship between concepts.	Linking lines not always pointing in correct direction; linking words are absent or don’t clarify relationships between concepts.
Content	All relevant concepts and mechanisms are included (map includes all unit key terms)	Most relevant concepts and mechanisms are included.	Few relevant concepts and mechanisms are included.
Presentation	Concept map has an appropriate title. Map is neat, clear, legible, and has easy to follow links. Has no spelling or grammatical errors. Appears to be final draft quality.	Concept map has an appropriate title. Concept map is neat, clear, legible, and has easy to follow links. Has some spelling or grammatical errors or appears to be draft quality.	Concept map has an inappropriate title or is untidy or has difficult to follow links or has many spelling or grammatical errors or appears to be draft quality.

"When we tug at a simple thing in nature, we find it attached to the rest of the world." John Muir