Concept Mapping

The Lesson Plan below is an example of incorporating a concept-map into a physical education curriculum.  Skill development is important to any PE program; however the cognitive domain and conceptualization of a sport or activity is equally as important.  This concept map is specific to the game of soccer, but can cross over to any sport or game.
“Let's Kick It” Soccer Unit Introduction

Name: Elizabeth Cross	Date: October 2010
Curriculum Content: Physical Education with Reading and Technology Integration	Grade/Level: 8th
TN State Learning Accomplishments: http://www.state.tn.us/education/curriculum.shtml SPI 0601.1.19 , SPI 0601.2.5 , SPI 0601.2.6 , SPI 0601.2.7 Recognize and use grade-appropriate and content specific vocabulary within context; select the most appropriate behaviors for participating productively in a team; determine the most effective methods for engaging an audience during an oral presentation; organize ideas in the most effective order for an oral presentation. 1.1.1, 1.2.1, 1.3.1, 3.1.4, 4.1.1, 5.2.2 passing, dribbling, and striking with proper form; proficiently utilize basic locomotor, non-locomotor and manipulative skills in game situations; play soccer in physical education class; participate in moderate to vigorous activity; work cooperatively with a group to achieve group goals in competitive as well as cooperative settings.
NETS-S Performance Indicators: http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007.htm 1a - apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes. 2a - interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media. 5b - exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.
NETS-T Performance Indicators: http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2008.htm 1c - promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes. 2a - design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.
TN State Computer Technology Learning Accomplishments: http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/computer/index.shtml 8.1.2.b.2 Create a chart that visually represents data. 8.3.2.a Use productivity tools to create effective document files for defined audiences such as slide shows, posters, multimedia presentations, newsletters, brochures, or reports
Essential Question: What do we know about soccer?
Concept Map Integration Plan: A concept map will be generated from a brainstorming session in class after whole group discussion of key terms and ideas associated with the game of soccer. Students will work in small groups to design and create concept maps using http://www.exploratree.com which visually outlines the key concepts to answer the essential question. Once the assignment is completed, students will have access to all groups' concept maps to eventually create a whole-class version. The final version could be printed for each student to add to a study guide or notebook. *Students will be given a similar assignment at the conclusion of the unit to show their growth in knowledge of the sport.
Brief description of the Instruction Plan: The teacher will model and demonstrate the use of the Web 2.0 tool for creating a concept map. Students will work in teams, and understand the responsibilities of various roles within the team while creating a conceptual map of soccer-specific terminology. Students will show their understanding of soccer terminology by listing and categorizing the terms into appropriate relationships. Finally, students will organize their ideas to engage a peer-audience in an effective oral presentation using http://www.exploratree.com.
Additional Technology Integration to be Used: This lesson plan will make use of a concept map using Web 2.0 tools (exploratree.com), as well as in-class technology of a SmartBoard and projector.
Description of the ‘relative advantage’ of all technology being used in this lesson: The teacher will guide creation of a concept map at the beginning of the soccer unit. Students will work in teacher-assigned groups to enhance the learning environment. Creating a visual tool that is easy to edit, share, and print will prove to make effective use of class time, as well as insure neatness and organization.

This concept map was created using www.exploratree.com.