What Is a Concept Map?

A concept map is a visual diagram that shows how ideas and concepts are related to each other. Key ideas are written in shapes (usually boxes or circles), and arrows connect them. Crucially, each arrow is labeled to describe the relationship between the two connected ideas.

This labeling of relationships is what makes a concept map more analytical than a simple web or mind map.

Example: Photosynthesis → requires → Sunlight → which provides → Energy → used to produce → Glucose

Concept Map vs. Mind Map vs. Web

Starts from: Any idea - Central topic - Central word

Connections labeled?: Yes - No - No

Best for: Analyzing relationships - Brainstorming - Vocabulary

Direction: Multi-directional - Outward from center - Outward from center

How to Create a Concept Map

Identify the main concept - this goes in the center or at the top
Brainstorm related ideas - add boxes for each connected concept
Draw arrows between related concepts - show which ideas connect
Label each arrow - use a short phrase that describes the relationship ("is a type of," "causes," "is part of," "requires," "leads to")
Add cross-links - connect ideas across different branches when relationships exist

Uses in the Classroom

Before a unit: Have students create a concept map with everything they already know about a topic. This activates prior knowledge and reveals misconceptions.

During a unit: Students add to their concept map as they learn, creating a growing picture of their knowledge.

After a unit: Concept maps serve as excellent study tools and can be used as an alternative assessment - do the connections make sense? Are the labels accurate?

For vocabulary: Connect a new word to related words, examples, and definitions using labeled arrows.

Practice Activities

Give students a set of vocabulary cards from a science unit and ask them to arrange and connect them into a concept map on the floor or a table before gluing them down.
Start a class concept map on chart paper that grows throughout a unit as students add new connections.
Compare two students' concept maps on the same topic - discuss: what connections did each person make? What is different? What's missing?
Use a partially completed concept map as a formative assessment tool - students fill in the blanks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a concept map?

A concept map is a diagram that shows ideas (written in boxes or circles) connected by labeled arrows. The labels describe the relationship between ideas - not just that they are connected, but how. Example: 'Mammals → are warm-blooded → which means they → regulate their own body temperature.' This labeling of relationships is what distinguishes concept maps from simple webs or mind maps.

What is the difference between a concept map and a mind map?

A mind map starts from a central idea and branches outward, usually without labeled connections. It is great for brainstorming and free-association. A concept map explicitly labels how concepts are related (using words like 'leads to,' 'is a type of,' 'requires,' 'causes'). Concept maps are more analytical and better for showing complex, multi-directional relationships.

When should students use concept maps?

Concept maps are useful before a unit (to activate prior knowledge), during a unit (to add new connections as learning grows), and after a unit (to consolidate understanding). They are especially powerful in science and social studies, where topics have many interconnected concepts.