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

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