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Name: Molly Niedens Content Area: Science Grade: 8

Differentiation Strategy: Concept Mapping provides a visual means of organizing


ideas. Concept maps can be used in brainstorming, outlining, note taking, instruction or
assessment. In this lesson, I am assessing how well students see the big picture. Since
they are visual, and only display the most relevant and important information, concept
maps are beneficial for ELL and SPED students.

When there is eight minutes left of class, I will ask students to get out a blank piece of
paper. The students will be instructed to create a branching concept map without any
notes or prompts. The students will use the branching concept map technique to display
their knowledge of the three types of plate boundaries, the plates involved, the
landforms created and real-life examples of those landforms. The branching technique
of concept mapping includes placing a central theme or unifying factor in the center of
the map. Outwardly radiating sub-themes surround the center of the map. This is used
to show the relationship between concepts. Students can branch and use nodes in any
way they choose. They may use words or pictures to display their understanding of the
content. Students will turn in their concept map before leaving class as a ticket out.
Purpose/Focus of Lesson (the big idea): The purpose of using a concept map in this
lesson is for students to display their knowledge of the plate boundaries, and describe
how plate tectonics processes lead to changes in the Earths surfaces.
Instruction Grouping:
Individual
Whole Group
Small Group
Peer Partners
Homogeneous
Heterogeneous

What will be differentiated:
Content
Process
Product
Learner Elements Involved:
Readiness
Interest
Learning Profile
As a result of this lesson what you hope your students will:

Students will Know: the three plate boundaries, the plate boundaries involved,
landforms created, and real-life examples of those landforms.

Students will Understand: how plate tectonics lead to changes on the surface of the
Earth.

Students will be able to: create a branching concept map using above information.

Pre-assessment:
There will not be a pre-assessment. I am using the concept map as a ticket out to
assess where students are in their learning process. I will be able to distinguish students
knowledge of the plate boundaries by the amount of detail and complexity included on
their concept map. This will influence my lesson for the next day; reinforcing the topics
that there were identified struggles.
Resources/References:
Inspiration

Bubbl.us

Text 2 Mind Map

Concept Make Maker Soft School

Matt Lancaster and Molly Niedens Presentation (below)

Carol Ann Tomlinson How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms
Chapter 10

University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning

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