This document provides information about concept maps and graphic organizers that can be used in social studies. It defines a graphic organizer as a visual that shows patterns and relationships to help organize information for writing. Several types of graphic organizers are described, including chain of events, clustering, fishbone mapping, interaction outlines, and problem/solution maps. Steps are provided for making a basic concept map, including identifying the main topic and subtopics, and showing relationships between ideas using arrows.

1. Concept Map
in Social Studies

2. What is a graphic
organizer?
• A powerful visual picture of
information that allows the mind to
see undiscovered patterns and
relationships.
• A tool that allows organization of
these patterns and relationships in
writing.

3. Steps to Make Graphic Organizer
1. What is the main topic?
•Put it in the centre or at the top
2. What are the Sub-topics (secondary topics)?
•Draw an arrow from main topic to sub-topic
3. Organize ideas or information through arrows
•Draw arrows to show relationships between
idea/information/topics
•Show cause and effect relationships through arrows too

4. Steps to Make Graphic Organizer
4. Show similarities and differences through Venn Diagrams
•Draw circles that merge to compare and contrast
5. Be Coherent
•Keep it organized
•Provide clear labels.
•Keep it simple! (DO NOT put in too much information)
6. Be Creative
•Use pictures or symbols
•Use any way to create a graphic model IF it is clear and simple

5. Types of Graphic Organizers
Venn
Diagram
Story
Board
Spider
Map
Problem/
Solution
Matrix
KWLH
Technique
Interaction
Outline
Fishbone
Mapping
Family
Tree
CycleContinuu
m
ClusteringChain of
Events

6. Chain of Events
• Used to describe the stages of an event, the
actions of a character or the steps in a
procedure.
Beginning
First
event
Second
event
Final event

7. Clustering
A nonlinear activity that generates ideas, images
and feelings around a stimulus word. As students
cluster, their thoughts tumble out, enlarging
their word bank for writing and enabling them to
see patterns in their ideas.
anim
als
noctu
rnal
desert
reptile
s
Rainfor
est
lizards
snake
s
tortois
e
Owls
Click Here to Create Your Own

8. Fishbone Mapping
Used to show causal interaction of a complex
event (an election, a nuclear explosion) or
complex phenomenon (juvenile delinquency,
learning disabilities).
result
Detail Detail
Detail Detail

9. Interaction Outline
Used to show the nature of an interaction
between persons or groups, such as the
interaction between European settlers and
American Indians.
Person 1
Group 1
Person 2
Group 2
Interaction
Action Reaction
Action Reaction 1 & 2
Person 1
Group 1
Person 2
Group 2
Outcomes Outcomes

10. Problem/Solution
Requires students to identify a problem and
consider multiple solutions and possible results
Who
What
Why
Problem
Attempted
Solutions
Results
1. 1.
2. 2.
End Results

11. Spider Map
Used to describe a central idea; a thing, a
process, a concept, a proposition. The map may
be used to organize ideas or brainstorm ideas
for a writing project.
Topic
Concept
Theme
DetailsDetails