Graphic Organizers: Tools for Mastering Science Concepts Copyright Amy Brown – Science Stuff.
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Transcript of Graphic Organizers: Tools for Mastering Science Concepts Copyright Amy Brown – Science Stuff.
Graphic Organizers:Tools for Mastering Science
Concepts
Copyright Amy Brown – Science Stuff
A science class can be overwhelming with facts
and information. As a science student you will
be faced with new vocabulary words,
definitions, and concepts that may be difficult to
understand.
You must be the master of the information. Do not let the information master you!
The use of graphic organizers is a skill that will help you in
your study of science.
In this exercise, you will learn to draw and develop several
different types of graphic organizers that are most often
used in a science class, including concept maps,
events chains and cycle maps.
Concept Maps:A concept map is a diagram that shows the relationships among ideas or concepts.Concept maps are useful for breaking down large concepts into smaller parts, making learning easier.In a concept map, major terms are placed in ovals or boxes and linked to other terms and definitions, generally in a descending pattern.Once you learn this technique, you can use it as a study skill all year long.
Concept Map Example: Read the following short
passage. After you read the passage, we will develop a concept map of the major
concepts, terms and definitions.
Now that you have read the information in the passage, let’s use the blank concept map diagram in your notes to break down and organize
the information.
This is a concept map that I have drawn in order to help you learn the process of concept mapping. A
concept map can be arranged in any way that efficiently organizes the information.
In the circle at the top of the concept map, let’s give our concept map a name.
Since the passage contained information about the different states of matter, the term “matter” would be a
great starting point.
Matter
The first step in developing a concept map is to break the information down into smaller pieces.
What was the main idea about the passage you read?The main idea was that matter consisted of four states of matter.
Dividing the information into four sections, one for each state of matter, would be a logical way to begin out concept map.
Place the names of the four states of matter in the four ovals just below the title.
Matter
Solid Liquid Gas Plasma
Now let’s concentrate on the specific details about solids.
From the passage, we have this information about solids: A solid has a definite shape and a definite volume. Solids have this characteristic because the particles in them are packed together in relatively fixed positions. The particles of a solid are held together by strong attractive forces between them, and only vibrate about
fixed points. What are the first two things we are told about solids?
Solids have a definite shape and a definite volume.Let’s add this information to our concept map.
Notice that I placed the main ideas in the boxes, but used connecting words along the lines to connect the information
given in two different boxes.Let’s finish up the information about solids.
Matter
Solid Liquid Gas Plasma
has has
Definite shape
Definite volume
Particles are
packed closely
together in a fixed position.
Characteristics
Held together by strong
forces
Vibrate about a
fixed position
and
Now let’s do the same process for the information about liquids.Matter that is in the liquid state has a definite volume but no definite
shape. The particles composing a liquid are close together but can move past each other, allowing the liquid to flow. The particles in a liquid move
more rapidly than those in a solid.
Matter
Solid Liquid Gas Plasma
has has
Definite shape
Definite volume
Characteristics
Particles are
packed closely
together in a fixed position.
Held together by strong
forces
and
Vibrate about a
fixed position
has no has
Definite shape
Definite volume
Characteristics
Particles are close but can move
past one another
Particles move more
rapidly than in a
solid
Now let’s do the same process for the information about gases.Gases have neither a definite volume nor a definite shape. All gases have
this characteristic because the particles composing them move very rapidly and are at great distances from one another compared to the particles of a
liquid or a solid.
Matter
Solid Liquid Gas Plasma
has has
Definite shape
Definite volume
Characteristics
Particles are
packed closely
together in a fixed position.
Held together by strong
forces
and
Vibrate about a
fixed position
has no has
Definite shape
Definite volume
Characteristics
Particles are close but can move
past one another
Particles move more
rapidly than in a
solid
has no has no
Definite shape
Definite volume
Characteristics
Particles move very
rapidly
Particles are spread
very far apart
Finally, let’s add the information about plasma.A fourth, less common, state of matter is plasma. Plasma is a high temperature state of matter in which atoms lose most of their electrons. Plasma is found in fluorescent bulbs and in stars.
Matter
Solid Liquid Gas Plasma
has has
Definite shape
Definite volume
Characteristics
Particles are
packed closely
together in a fixed position.
Held together by strong
forces
and
Vibrate about a
fixed position
has no has
Definite shape
Definite volume
Characteristics
Particles are close but can move
past one another
Particles move more
rapidly than in a
solid
has no has no
Definite shape
Definite volume
Characteristics
Particles move very
rapidly
Particles are spread
very far apart
is
High temperature
state of matter
Electrons are lost
Found in fluorescent bulbs and in
stars
In which
SolidSolid
Definite Shape
Definite Shape
MatterMatter
LiquidLiquid GasGas PlasmaPlasma
Particles are
packed closely
together in a fixed position
Particles are
packed closely
together in a fixed position
has
Definite volumeDefinite volume
has
Characteristics
Held together by strong
forces
Held together by strong
forces
Vibrate about fixed
position
Vibrate about fixed
position
and
Definite Shape
Definite Shape
Definite volumeDefinite volume
has no has
Definite Shape
Definite Shape
Definite volumeDefinite volume
has no has no
Particles are close but can
move past one
another.
Particles are close but can
move past one
another.
Particles move more
rapidly than in a
solid.
Particles move more
rapidly than in a
solid.
Characteristics
Particles move very
rapidly
Particles move very
rapidly
Particles are spread
very far apart
Particles are spread
very far apart
Characteristics
Found in fluorescent
bulbs and in stars
Found in fluorescent
bulbs and in stars
High temperature
state of matter
High temperature
state of matter
is
Electrons are lost.
Electrons are lost.
in which
You have created an organized map of the information. Constructing the concept map made you think about how the information can be managed. Now you can refer back to it when it is time to study and review for a test.
Another type of
concept map is an
events chain.
Another type of
concept map is an
events chain. This is often referred to as a “flow chart”.
This is often referred to as a “flow chart”.
A flow chart shows the order or sequence of items.
A flow chart shows the order or sequence of items.
It can be used to describe a
sequence of events, the steps
in a procedure, or the stages
of a process.
It can be used to describe a
sequence of events, the steps
in a procedure, or the stages
of a process.
To begin, identify the first event that starts the chain.
Then, find the next event and continue until
the final stage is reached.
Events Chain Example: Read the following
short passage. After you read the passage, we will develop a flow chart giving the correct order of information.
Now that you have read the information in the passage,
let’s use the blank flow chart diagram in your notes to
break down and organize the information.
Cycle Map Example: Read the following
short passage. After you read the passage, we will develop a cycle map giving the correct order of information.
Now that you have read the information in the passage,
let’s use the blank cycle map diagram in your notes to
break down and organize the information.
producesScattered by wind or water
produces
Sperm swims to egg in rainwater
Adult fern with leafy frond
Spores
Spores grow into small, heart-
shaped plants
Egg cells Sperm cells
Zygote is produced
Zygote grows into a new fern.
Created by Amy Brown – Science Stuff
Copyright © August 2012 Amy Brown (aka Science Stuff)
All rights reserved by author.This document is for your classroom
use only.This document may not be
electronically distributed or posted to a web site.