Alice Cook
CATS 8 Teacher
Moundsville Junior High
Grade level: 7 to 12
Subject: Any
Synopsis: This lesson was prepared to introduce students to the Inspiration software available in the school computer lab. While the subject of the concept map itself is a science topic this lesson could be used in any discipline. The students will be asked to duplicate a concept map as closely as they can. The purpose is to familiarize them with the most basic features of the program which they will use throughout the school year.
Chief Objective: The chief objective of this lesson is to introduce the various functions of the software, to familiarize students with the features available to them, and to allow them to become comfortable with manipulating the tools provided in the program.
WV Instructional Goals and Objectives: I have not listed specific IGO’s because this activity could be used at any grade level. It will however, address any technology related IGOs and many that deal with problem solving and critical thinking. It also fulfills those science IGOs that require that 50% of student time be spent on hands-on activities.
Materials needed: Computers and Inspiration software. My students each worked on their own computer but pairs or triads would work also. I would group students by their level of expertise with computers to eliminate the computer literate kids from either taking over or becoming totally frustrated with the speed (or lack thereof) of the student who has not had much practice manipulating a mouse. If you have a computer for each student alternate a computer comfortable student with a novice so that help is available from each side. For demonstration purposes it would be nice to have an Averkey hookup or a video projector. If these are not available it will make the introduction phase of the lesson a bit slower.
Advance Preparation: Students should know what a concept map is but it is not necessary that they have any experience constructing them. The teacher will need to make a copy of the map to be duplicated for each student.
Time required: The computer whiz kids will be done in 45 minutes or less. They should be allowed to do a map of another subject if they know how to construct concept maps, or ask them to change the map in as many ways as they can while keeping the positioning and relationships the same.
Students without computer expertise will take longer but even my slowest kids were done in an hour and 20 minutes.
Procedure: Using the projector or Averkey demonstrate the basic tools of the software. This should be very brief. The students need to know what the program can do. If they don’t remember the exact steps to a particular effect they will pick them up as they work.
Give the students a copy of the completed map and explain that their task is to duplicate it. All you then need to do is to monitor their progress and help where necessary. I allow them to exchange information with students on either side but not to get up and move around the lab.
See the "Nervous System" Inspiration file (view only)
Download the "Nervous System" Inspiration file
Note: The two most common questions my students asked were:
1. How do you get rid of the arrow point? (Select the arrow in question, click link on the blue tool bar, then arrowhead ending point, then none. You can permanently remove the arrowhead by going to File on the blue tool bar, then click Diagram Properties, then click Link, then change arrowhead ending point to NONE.) 2. My symbol pallet is gone. How do I retrieve it? (Click on view on the blue tool bar then click symbol pallet, or hit f8.)
Assessment: I assign two grades to this project. One is a participation grade. If the student works at the task, is reasonably cooperative with the students on either side, and does not disrupt the lab he receives an A. I then grade the duplication attempt very liberally, keeping in mind the level of computer proficiency each student has.