Bubble maps are a cognitive tool that use descriptive words in a graphic format to describe various topics. They address both concrete and conceptual elements of a given topic using descriptive qualities like adjectives and adjective phrases. Bubble maps can be used across various subjects and curriculums to enrich students' abilities to identify qualities of topics, expand descriptive vocabulary, and provide a springboard for more comprehensive exploration of topics. They engage multiple intelligences by allowing students to see, write, discuss, draw, work alone or cooperatively when using this visual thinking tool.

1. Bubble Maps

2. Thinking Maps
Based on a fundamental thinking
skill
Consistent graphic language
Easily transferred across different
curriculums

3. Bubble Maps:
A Cognitive Tool
 A Bubble Map is  Bubble Maps
used for enriching address concrete
students’ abilities to and conceptual
identify qualities elements of a given
and use descriptive topic.
words.
 tall, hard, deep
(concrete)
 sad, smart, pious
(conceptual).

4. Bubble Map: Describing Qualities
Descriptive Qualities
Using Adjectives and
Adjective Phrases Topic
(Or listing Qualities)

5. Bubble Map: Describing Qualities
friendly
active
Alyssa
eclectic
helpful
obnoxious

6. UDL Application: Visual & Kinesthetic
eclectic
obnoxious

7. Bubble Map: ELA Applications
Expanding descriptive vocabulary
Describing characters using adjectives
Providing descriptive details for
writing
Springboard for more comprehensive
exploration of topic

8. Bubble Map: Across the Curriculum
Language Arts/Characterization
smart
creative
competitive
Katniss
(Hunger
Games)
clueless
protective
beautiful

9. Bubble Map: ELA-Writing prompt
Self-
discovering
scary
active
The
teenage
years
are…
rebellious
exciting
frustrating

10. Bubble Map: Math Applications
 Identify properties of numbers
 Describing attributes of geometric figures
 Establishing criteria for evaluation
 Springboard for more comprehensive
exploration of topic

11. Bubble Map: Math/Geometry
Right
Three
Angle
sided
Triangle
Acute
Sum
of
180°
Obtuse

12. Sum of
180°
Right
angle
Three
sided
Triangle
Acute
obtuse

13. Bubble Map: Science Applications
Describing properties of things
Identifying essential properties of
an organism
Establishing criteria (values) for
experimentation
Springboard for more comprehensive
exploration of topic

14. Bubble Map: Science
big
heavy
Igneous
sedimentary
hard
2 or more
minerals Rocks
heavy
smooth small
metamorphic
rough

15. Bubble Maps: Social Studies Application
Describing key characteristics of
cultures
Analyzing stereotypes
Distinguishing between facts and
opinions
Springboard for more
comprehensive exploration of topic

16. Bubble Map: Across the Curriculum-
Social Studies
Nile
River
Pharaohs
Gods and
Goddesses
scribes
Ancient Egypt
Hiero-
glyphics
mummies
pyramids

17. Bubble Maps
and the
Multiple Intelligences
Verbal Linguistic Student:
Kinesthetic Student:
seeing, writing,
tactile, moving
discussing, and
debating.
Mathematical Logical Student: Interpersonal Student:
work with patterns, comparing, relating,
relationships, sharing, cooperative
classifying, and
abstract concepts
Intrapersonal Student:
Visual Spatial Student:
work alone, reflective,
pictures, colors,
self-paced
drawing, visualization,