What do you understand use of concept mapping in unit planning? Select a unit from secondary level mathematics and develop a unit plan through concept mapping on selected unit.

1. Understanding the Use of Concept Mapping in Unit Planning

Concept mapping is a visual tool that helps teachers organize and structure their unit plans. It allows teachers to identify key concepts, connections between concepts, and the sequence in which concepts will be taught. Concept mapping can also help teachers integrate different topics and skills, making the unit plan more coherent and comprehensive. By using concept mapping in unit planning, teachers can create a roadmap that guides instruction and assessment throughout the unit.

2. Selected Unit: Introduction to Geometry

For this example, let's consider a unit on "Introduction to Geometry" for secondary level mathematics. This unit introduces students to basic geometric concepts, such as points, lines, angles, and shapes. The unit also covers properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles, as well as basic concepts of perimeter, area, and volume.

3. Concept Mapping for the Unit: Introduction to Geometry

3.1. Central Theme: Introduction to Geometry

3.2. Key Concepts:

• Points, Lines, and Planes
• Types of Angles (Acute, Obtuse, Right)
• Properties of Triangles (Types, Angles, Sides)
• Properties of Quadrilaterals (Types, Angles, Diagonals)
• Properties of Circles (Radius, Diameter, Circumference, Area)
• Perimeter, Area, and Volume

3.3. Connections Between Concepts:

• Understanding points, lines, and planes is foundational for understanding all other geometric concepts.
• Knowledge of angles is essential for understanding the properties of triangles and quadrilaterals.
• Understanding the properties of circles helps in understanding concepts related to circumference and area.
• Perimeter, area, and volume are applied concepts that require understanding of basic shapes and their properties.

3.4. Sequence of Instruction:

• Begin with an introduction to points, lines, and planes.
• Introduce types of angles and their properties.
• Move on to properties of triangles, including types of triangles, angles in triangles, and triangle inequalities.
• Teach properties of quadrilaterals, focusing on types of quadrilaterals, angles in quadrilaterals, and properties of diagonals.
• Introduce properties of circles, including radius, diameter, circumference, and area.
• Conclude with applications of perimeter, area, and volume in real-world problems.

3.5. Integration of Skills and Topics:

• Incorporate algebraic skills, such as solving equations involving angles and lengths.
• Integrate geometric constructions, such as constructing angles and triangles using a compass and straightedge.
• Include real-world applications of geometry, such as calculating areas of rooms or volumes of containers.

3.6. Assessment Strategies:

• Use formative assessments, such as quizzes and exit tickets, to gauge understanding of key concepts.
• Use performance-based assessments, such as projects or presentations, to assess application of geometric concepts.
• Use summative assessments, such as tests, to assess overall understanding of the unit.

4. Conclusion

Concept mapping is a valuable tool for unit planning in mathematics, as it helps teachers organize and structure their units in a coherent and comprehensive manner. By using concept mapping, teachers can identify key concepts, connections between concepts, and the sequence of instruction, ensuring that students develop a deep understanding of the subject.