Final+Project

**Final Project: Concept Mapping**

First thing's first, read The Theory Underlying Concept Maps and How to Construct and Use Them by Dr. Joe Novak, a concept map pioneer. Pay special attention to the examples of good and bad maps!

**Some helpful software** Concept Map Builder, from COSEE Ocean Systems. Free program constructed for use in marine education. Works like Inspiration but is free.

CMAP, free from the lab of Joe Novak and other CM innovators. Click on parts of this intro map to learn the process of concept map construction.

bubbl.us, another free digital tool used for creating flowcharts and concept maps.

Use a digital tool (such as one of the three listed above) to create an in-depth concept map which links three units from our course. Select your units carefully as this assessment is designed to help you foster the synthesis of new and novel relationships between biology course content. While completing this assignment, it is not wise to simply rely on the material that has been presented thus far in class. Use the internet to explore tangential interests in biology. A word of caution, as you peruse sites be sure to critically evaluate the authenticity of their information before incorporating into your project.
 * Project Description**

You will present your concept map during our scheduled final exam time and provide feedback on the maps of your classmates.

All maps will be compiled into a single Google Document and disseminated to the class for future reference and use.

Concept Map Rubric
 * Rubrics**

Oral Presentation Rubric

Peer Evaluation Instructions Provide __//constructive//__ feedback for your classmates on their presentations of their concept maps. I suggest that you utilize the @Ladder of Feedback from Harvard. Remember, when feedback is compiled and returned to your peers, it will be anonymous (even so, you should still be polite).

**Form and style...** Will never replace substance as valuable elements of CMs , but certain conventions used in the maps will make them useful to others as well as good for your grade! Remember that if your map looks like a food chain or a flow chart, you probably need to look for more connections to branch out. Avoid "stuffing," like using lots of links labeled //such as or// //includes//. There are plenty of great action verbs and prepositions that make good line labels, to explain how two concepts are related to form a proposition. Don't place the same concept in two different places; rearrange the map so one occurrence is enough. A viewer of your map should be able to follow the arrows from the central concept to other linked ones as if reading simple sentences. Create an interesting story!