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BIO 100
CONCEPT MAPPING

WHAT IS A CONCEPT MAP? Concept maps are visual representations of information

that illustrate connections between concepts or terms or topics. They can take the form
of charts, graphic organizers, tables, flowcharts, Venn Diagrams, timelines, or T-charts.

WHY CREATE A CONCEPT MAP? Concept maps promote clear thinking, better
memory retention, and improved understanding of complex concepts by helping you:
● organize thoughts
● dig into a topic in detail
● visually show relationships between ideas and concepts
● show the big picture by connecting thoughts, ideas and concepts

ELEMENTS OF A STRONG CONCEPT MAP

● Concepts: Technically called ‘nodes’, concepts are the central elements of your
concept map. You can use ovals, boxes, squares or any fancy shapes to denote
ideas and concepts.
● Links: Different concepts under one domain are linked together using lines and
arrows.
● Cross-Links: Concepts under different domains are linked together using cross-
links. These are also usually depicted with lines or arrows.
● Linking Words: Links and cross-links often have text written between or next to
them. These words or phrases describe the relationship between the concepts.
For example, linking words could be “includes,” “is part of” or “is caused by.”
● Hierarchical Structure: A good concept map follows a hierarchical structure that
helps to read the diagram from top to bottom. This means that broader and more
important concepts are at the top and the most specific ideas are at the bottom.
See example below.

STEPS TO MAKE A CONCEPT MAP

1. Identify the main topic or core concept (if not provided).
2. Brainstorm everything you already know about the topic and terms (if provided).
3. Research concepts that are not familiar to you.
4. Organize the information by major ideas or points.
5. Determine which concepts or terms are nested under other concepts.
6. Place the information on a diagram or map, making links between concepts.
7. Review course materials and vocabulary to ensure everything is included.

EXAMPLES OF HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR MAP

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EXAMPLE MAP
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Once you have created your unique concept map, explain your thought process and
how you made connections between the terms the way that you did. Your explanation
should demonstrate your understanding of the material.