One great way of doing all of this planning is through the use of a concept map.. Much like a flow chart, a concept map will show the progression of ideas as they turn into actions within your project. Many of you have created brainstorming charts for other projects and a concept map is a lot like that too.
In order to begin creating a concept map you will begin by opening a program that creates charts (such as Inspiration, PowerPoint, or Excel). The map will start with the topic in the center and then branch out from there. Many concept maps are circular in their basic design, but they must be tailored to fit the needs of the project. As you think about your project you will probably be able to separate it into subtopics that can be used as the next level on your chart. From those subtopics you will branch out another level to pose specific research questions, and other information.
In order to build this website a concept map was used to plan (see below). Notice it begins with the web quest and continues clockwise in the same order as the table of contents. Creating a detailed and thoughful concept map is very helpful, but only if you stick to it in the creation of your project. So, as you create your map be sure to have a strong plan and use this example as only a guideline, it should not look exactly the same.
Created by Gayle Taylor
Last Updated August 8, 2007
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