MAKING YOUR MIND MAP
Step 1: Make a Mind Map (Assignment in middle of this page)
Definition of a Mind Map
A mind map is a visual representation of information that includes a central idea surrounded by connected branches of related topics.
Benefits of Mind Maps
• Help students brainstorm and explore any idea, concept, or problem
• Facilitate better understanding of relationships and connections between ideas and concepts
• Make it easy to communicate new ideas and thought processes
• Make it easier to recall information
• Help plan tasks
• Make it easy to organize ideas and concepts
How to Mind Map
All mind maps begin with a main concept or idea that the rest of the map revolves around, so choosing that idea or topic is the first step. Begin by creating an image or writing a word that represents that first main idea.
From that main idea, create branches (as many as needed), that each represent a single word that relates to the main topic. It’s helpful to use different colors and images to differentiate the branches and sub-topics.
Then, create sub-branches that stem from the main branches to further expand on ideas and concepts. These sub-branches will also contain words that elaborate on the topic of the branch it stems from. This helps develop and elaborate on the overall theme of the mind map. Including images and sketches can also be helpful in brainstorming and creating the sub-branch topics.
Assignment - Answer these questions on a blank paper:
1. What is the question you are going to answer in your essay? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
a. Write this question (or few word summary) in the middle of your paper.
b. Draw a picture around/near it that helps you to visualize the question.
2. How are you going to divide your answers into branches? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
a. Draw a different color arrow for each branch on your paper. Write the topic along the arrow.
b. Draw a picture at the end of the arrow on the paper that helps you visualize the topic.
3. What are the details for each branch? Details include definitions of important concepts and specific examples that support your reasoning. Use vocabulary words here to further support your ideas. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
a. Draw arrows for sub-branches on the paper. Include details in groupings on each sub-branch.
b. Determine where you need more supporting details and start researching using the web quest links.
Examples of mind maps: