Title: Concept Mapping for Science Projects Using Inspiration Software

 Developed by:

Anita Deck

Chemistry/Physics Teacher

Liberty High School

Fastlane@inetone.net

 Grade Level: 9-12

 Subject: Science 9 (9), 10 (10); Biology 11/12 (B); Chemistry 11/12 (C), Chemistry – Technical/Conceptual (CTC); Environmental Earth Science 11/12 (ES); Human Anatomy and Physiology (HAP); Physics 11/12 (P); Physics – Technical/Conceptual (PTC)

Synopsis/Abstract: Students will plan and organize a science project using Inspiration, a concept mapping software.

Chief Objectives of the Lesson:

  1. Students will brainstorm ideas for their science project using Inspiration software, creating three concept maps of possible projects.
  2. Of the three concept maps created, students will choose one to delineate.
  3. Students will use Inspiration software to create a concept map of the intended execution of their science project.

 Chief WV IGO’s:

  1. Model and exhibit the skills, attitudes and/or values of scientific inquiry. 9.5, 10.5, B.5, C.5, CTC.5, ES.6, HAP.5, P.5, PTC.5
  2. Demonstrate ethical practices for science. 9.6, 10.6, B.6, C.6, CTC.6, ES.7, HAP.6, P.6, PTC.6
  3. Demonstrate science processes within a problem solving setting. 9.8, 10.8, B.8, C.8, CTC.8, ES.11, HAP.8, P.8, PTC.8
  4. Organize qualitative and quantitative data into tables, diagrams, and/or graphs for analysis. 9.9, 10.9, B.9, C.9, CTC.9, ES.12, HAP.9, P.9, PTC.9
  5. Identify, analyze, and infer using patterns and relationships in data. 9.10, 10.10, B.10, C.10, CTC.10, ES.13, HAP.10, P.10, PTC.10
  6. Apply rational thinking processes that underlie scientific approaches to problem solving by employing critical thinking skills, imagination and creativity while working individually and/or cooperatively. 9.12, 10.12, B.12, C.12, CTC.12, ES.15, HAP.12, P.12, PTC.12
  7. Use the tools of science safely, accurately, and appropriately. 9.13, 10.13, B.13, C.13, CTC.13, ES.16, HAP.13, P.13, PTC.13
  8. Identify independent and dependent variables in experimental investigations. 9.14, 10.14, B.14, C.14, CTC.14, ES.17, HAP.14, P.14, PTC.14
  9. Manipulate variables to extend experimental activities. 9.15, 10.15, B.15, C.15, CTC.15, ES.18, HAP.15, P.15, PTC.15
  10. Designs, conduct, evaluate and revise experiments. 9.16, 10.16, B.16, C.16, CTC.16, ES.19, HAP.16, P.16, PTC.16
  11. Engage in active inquiries, investigations and hands-on activities for a minimum of 50% of the instructional time to develop conceptual understanding and laboratory skills. 9.17, 10.17, B.17, C.17, CTC.17, ES.20, HAP.17, P.17, PTC.17
  12. Properly and safely manipulate equipment, materials, chemicals, organisms, and models. 9.18, 10.18, B.18, C.18, CTC.18, ES.23, HAP.18, P.18, PTC.18
  13. Conduct explorations in a variety of environments. 9.19, 10.19, B.19, C.19, CTC.19, ES.21, HAP.19, P.19, PTC.19
  14. Use computers and other electronic technologies to collect, analyze and/or report data, interact with simulations, and research. 9.20, 10.20, B.20, C.20, CTC.20, ES.22, HAP.20, P.20, PTC.20
  15. Articulate connections between the major disciplines of science. 9.21, 10.21
  16. Utilize the thematic approach incorporating the following themes: systems, changes, and models. 9.22, 10.22
  17. Access, gather, store, retrieve, and organize data using hardware and software designed for these purposes. 9.101, 10.92, B.42, C.73, CTC.50, ES.68, HAP.54, P.35, PTC.39
  18. Collect, analyze, and display data using computers and other electronic technology. 9.102, 10.93, B.43, C.74, CTC.51, ES.69, HAP. 55, P.36, PTC.40
  19. Access Internet resources for a variety of purposes. 9.103, 10.94, B.44, C.75, CTC.52, ES.70, HAP.56, P.37, PTC.41
  20. Demonstrate skills in the use of word processing, databases, spreadsheets, graphics, and telecommunications. 9.104, 10.95, B.45, C.76, CTC.53, ES.71, HAP.57, P.38, PTC.42
  21. Identify and solve problems with the appropriate technology. 9.105, 10.96, B.46, C.77, CTC.54, ES.72, HAP.58, P.39, PTC.43
  22. Incorporate correct grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and graphical representation for both written and oral multimedia presentations. 9.106, 10.97, B.47, C.78, CTC.55, ES.73, HAP.59, P.40, PTC.44

 Materials Needed: Computer with Inspiration software

Advance Preparation: Students need to be familiar with Inspiration software and be able to create concept maps.

 Activities/ Procedures:

  1. Students may work in pairs or individually.
  2. Using Inspiration software, students will brainstorm and create three concept maps of possible science projects. Each concept map will need to include a purpose (problem), a hypothesis, materials, and possible procedures.
  3. Of these three idea maps, students will then select one project to fully develop.
  4. Once the project has been selected, the students will complete a concept map detailing the execution of their project.

 Assessment: Students will receive two grades; one for the three idea concept maps, and one for the detailed project map. Grading could be accomplished through a Rubric of the instructor’s choosing.

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