Bubble map maker
Put a topic in the centre and surround it with describing words. Each bubble sizes itself to its word; press Enter to add the next one.
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How to use a bubble map
A bubble map answers one question: what is it like? It’s the describing map among the eight Thinking Maps, and teachers use it to build vocabulary before writing.
- Put the thing you’re describing in the centre: a character, a place, a season, a material.
- Add bubbles with adjectives or short phrases. Use your senses: how does it look, sound, feel?
- Replace weak words with precise ones. “Frightening” instead of “bad”.
- Use the finished bubbles as a word bank for a paragraph.
Double bubble map
Start from the ready-made double bubble map template, or follow the steps below.
To compare two things, rename the centre to “A vs B”, then add three branches: Only A, Both, Only B, and put describing words under each. Switch the layout to Balanced so the comparison reads left to right.
Why bubbles, not branches?
Bubble map: Bubbles de-emphasise hierarchy. In the Thinking Maps method a bubble map holds only one ring of describing words around a topic.
More organisers: all 8 thinking maps · word web · semantic map
Questions people ask
What is a bubble map?
A bubble map is a graphic organiser with a topic in a central bubble surrounded by bubbles of describing words (adjectives or short phrases). It is one of the eight Thinking Maps created by Dr David Hyerle, used for describing qualities. All eight are explained on the thinking maps page.
How is a bubble map different from a double bubble map?
A bubble map describes one thing. A double bubble map compares two: two central bubbles, shared qualities in the middle, and unique qualities on the outside of each.
How many bubbles should a bubble map have?
Five to eight describing bubbles is typical for classroom use. Push for precise words; “huge” and “ancient” say more than “big” and “old”.
What is the difference between a bubble map and a mind map?
A bubble map has a single ring of describing words around one topic and no hierarchy. A mind map branches into themes and then details, several levels deep. Use a bubble map to describe something and a mind map to organise a whole subject.
What can I use instead of a bubble map?
A circle map collects everything you know about a topic, a double bubble map compares two things, a tree map classifies, and a mind map handles larger topics. All eight are explained on the thinking maps page.
Can I print my bubble map?
Yes: Export → PDF gives an A4 page, or use PNG for slides and worksheets.