GRAPHIC ORGANIZER

ASAS 5
GROUP 1
 Graphic Organizers
Graphic organizers (some of which are also called concept maps, entity relationship
charts, and mind maps) are a pictorial way of constructing knowledge and organizing
information. They help the student convert and compress a lot of seemingly
disjointed information into a structured, simple-to-read, graphic display. The resulting
visual display conveys complex information in a simple-to-understand manner.
Increasing Understanding by Creating Graphic Organizers:
The process of converting a mass of data/information/ideas into a graphic map gives
the student an increased understanding and insight into the topic at hand. To create
the map, the student must concentrate on the relationships between the items and
examine the meanings attached to each of them. While creating a map, the student
must also prioritize the information, determining which parts of the material are the
most important and should be focused upon, and where each item should be placed
in the map.
The creation of graphic organizers also helps the student generate ideas as they
develop and note their thoughts visually. The possibilities associated with a topic
become clearer as the student's ideas are classified visually.
Uses of Graphic Organizers:
Graphic organizers can be used to structure writing projects, to help in problem
solving, decision making, studying, planning research and brainstorming.
Creating Graphic Organizers:
Graphic organizers can be drawn free-hand or printed. To go to printouts of many
graphic organizers, click on one of the links above or below.
Adding color-coding and/or pictures to a graphic organizer further increases the utility
and readability of the visual display.
Graphic Organizers
 Flowchart of How to Choose a Graphic Organizer
To find an appropriate graphic organizer, answer the following questions about your
topic:
Tree Diagrams
Tree Diagrams are a type of graphic organizer
that shows how items are related to one
another. The tree's trunk represents the main
topic, and the branches represent relevant
facts, factors, influences, traits, people, or
outcomes.

Uses of Tree Diagrams:

Tree diagrams can be used to sort items or classify
them. A family tree is an example of a tree diagram.
Other examples of trees are cladistic trees (used in
biological classification) and dichotomous keys
(used to detemine what group a specimen belongs
to in biology). Tree diagrams are also used as visual
in statistics to document the outcomes of
probabalistic events (like tossing a coin).
 Tree Diagram Printout Tree Diagram Printout Tree Diagram Printout
Squares: 3 levels, 2 Squares: 3 levels, 2 Squares: 3 levels, 2
options each - vertical options each - vertical options each - horizontal
orientation. orientation, main topic at orientation.
Binary Pyramid the base.
Tree Printout

Pyramid: 3 levels, 2
options each.

Tree Diagram Printout Tree Diagram Printout Tree Diagram Printout

Circles: 3 levels, 2 options Circles: 3 levels, 2 options Circles: 3 levels, 2 options Semicircular Binar
each - vertical orientation. each - vertical orientation, each - horizontal
main topic at the base. orientation.
y Tree Printout

Semicircle: 3 levels, 2
options each.
 Synectics
Graphic Organizers

"Creativity -- nothing more than following a

systematic process,
allowing random connections to take place, and
using your intuition to develop unique solutions.
Oh, by the way,
it's much easier and much more fun
when you work with others throughout the
process."
- Doug
 Synectics
Graphic Organizers
NAME:
TOPIC
Make a Family Tree from a branching twig Make a Family Tree from construction Make a semi-circular chart of your direct
and construction paper. paper. ancestors.

SEMI-CIRCULAR
PAPER
FAMILY
FAMILY
ANCESTRY
TREE
TREECHART