Science Literacy & Concept Mapping
Sue Klemmer Cosee 9/25/2010
Sue Klemmer
Camden Hills Regional High School
25 Keelson Drive
Rockport, ME 04856
(207)236-7800 ext 317
sue_klemmer@fivetowns,net
http://klemmer-science.wikispaces.com/
Mapping for Myself
 identify key
concepts &
relationships
weed out
peripheral
information
re-sequence
instruction
Mapping with Students
If you really want students
to learn how to make
concept maps …
then you have to be
willing to take the time to
teach them how.
Map 1: Links as Definitions
Map 1: Definitions as Concepts
Map 1: Dependent Links
Can you spot the
Map 1: Nicely Done!
Map 2: Finding Symmetry
Can you
spot the
missed
concept
?
Map 2: Finding Multiple Links
Can you
spot the
SAME
missed
concept
?
Teaching Mapping
start small and familiar
provide feedback & samples
have students share & combine maps
provide opportunities for revisiting maps
contrast maps with other reading
comprehension techniques
have clear teaching & learning goals
have clear expectations (rubrics)
Concept Map Rubric
MEETS STANDARDS:
• Maps meet the standards in reading
(comprehending vocabulary) and higher order
thinking skills (applying & analyzing
knowledge) when:
– all required concepts are present.
– all concepts are linked to at least one other concept.
• all links have labels that make nontrivial, valid
connections between concepts.
Concept Map Rubric - cont’d.
EXCEEDS STANDARDS:
• Maps exceed standards when they demonstrate use
of the higher order thinking skill of synthesis.
This can be shown as:
– extra concepts that validly link given concepts to
other topics.
– extra links that show multiple valid connections
between concepts.
• a hierarchy or symmetry of concepts.
Concept Map Rubric - cont’d.
PARTIALLY MEETS STANDARDS:
Maps partially meet the standards when they show
limited comprehension of vocabulary from
context (reading) or limited demonstration of
application or analysis (HOTS).
– One concept is missing or unconnected OR 1-2 links
are invalid/trivial. (B-)
– One concept is missing/unconnected AND 1-2 links
are invalid/trivial. (C)
Concept Map Rubric - cont’d.
DOES NOT MEET STANDARDS:
Maps do not meet the standards when they show lack of
comprehension of vocabulary from context
(reading) or demonstrates little/no evidence of
application or analysis (HOTS) or lack of
understanding of concept mapping.
• More than one required concept is missing OR >2 links
are invalid OR the links do not form coherent
“concept-link-concept” sentences. (C-)
• More than one required concept is missing AND >2
links are invalid. (D)
• The links are not labeled.(F)