Journal #6

Mapping Student Minds
By:Ariel Owen

Mr. Owen is a current science teacher who has studied a new way to retrieve data from his students. His example is of the health of a creek. Through real life field trips and virtual field trips students retrieve data and create a mapping sheet. Using blue lines meaning "good" and red lines meaning "bad". He first started out with how can they make good grades. Students first brain storm for each situation then create a mapping sheet. It reminds me of Inspiration. A program built for teachers to use in their classrooms. They are able to organize their thoughts and create notes on the side if needed. Teachers can also use it as an assignment for the students to accomplish by adding websites to the mapping sheet where they can complete activities. Back to the article. Mr. Owen watches his students as they debate what is important to keep the creek healthy. Once the students feel that they have accomplished the assignment he revises their thesis and leads them with questions so the students may come to the right conclusion by using their own answers.

How can I use mapping in my own classroom?

Using anything with data, formula, or a scientific method is good for mapping sheets. Or in history with specific dates and data following the dates. Afterwards the students are able to turn it into power point presentations.

I am not really sure another question that I could ask with an answer. But I do have a question without an answer.

Where can I learn how to use a mapping sheet?