1. Concept Mapping “Learning to Learn”

2. First a Quiz… Look at this list of words. Memorize as many words as you can in 20 seconds. blackbrown cinnamongloves canaryparrot sweatershirt dovegreen garlicpepper

3. Now, look at this list of words. Memorize as many words as you can in 20 seconds. Vanillahorse chocolatecamel Strawberryelephant yellowdesk redtable greenchair Which list was easier to remember? Why?

4. Divide the following words into two simple groups: Thinking Partying Thundering Cloud Book Dog Car Playing Chair Tree Washing Raining Does your list look like this? carraining dogwashing chairplaying treethundering cloudpartying bookthinking

5. All of the previous words are concepts Concepts cause a picture to form in your mind Concepts are represented in different languages by words/terms…words are labels for concepts Concepts are based on your prior experience and knowledge Concepts are very important in science teaching and learning

6. Linking Words Linking words connect concepts to form propositions Propositions are statements (not necessarily complete sentences) that make sense e.g., “The dog is playing.”

7. Concept Maps Concept maps consist of many propositions linked together They are metacognitive tools that help people learn They are similar to semantic webs They can be used by any age level They make good assessment tools

8. Steps to Concept Mapping Identify the key concepts (teacher or student can do this) Rank the concepts from general to specific. Put general concepts at the top or in the center. Connect the concepts using linking words. Make cross links between concepts (cross links show deep understanding).