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
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.
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.
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”.
Can I print my bubble map?
Yes: Export → PDF gives an A4 page, or use PNG for slides and worksheets.