Students work in pairs or groups. They read a scenario which could be from an ELA reading, historical scenario or science story/concept. Once everyone in the group has completed the reading, they then use play-doh and make a model of what they have read about on a large piece of tack board covered with aluminum foil. After all of the groups have finished their models, they can "travel" to the different "scenes." One member from each group will remain at their model and act as a "travel guide" so that visitors can record information in a travel journal.

Making concept maps has the potential to be very engaging and can provide differentiated instruction for students. Try this version but make sure that you give students time to create an artistic concept map through the use of pictures, color and interaction with you. Give students 6-8 terms, post-it notes and a large sheet of construction paper. Allow them to place the concepts in any position that makes sense to them. Then they need to add linking words which need to make sense and should be checked by the teacher. Concept maps can be used in any content area. For example:

• Social Studies: Map the causes of World War II
• Science: Map the transcription of DNA
• Math: Map the steps of solving a Problem
• ELA: Map the relationships among characters in a story

Be sure to post the concept maps around the room on display. One option might be to have students take a gallary walk around the room and discuss what others have that is different than what they created.

TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONCEPT MAPPING