Concept map examples

Six complete concept maps from biology, earth science, history, economics and nursing. Every line is labelled and each map has at least one cross-link, so you can read it as a set of sentences.

Photosynthesis concept map

Focus question: How do plants make food?

A classic biology concept map. The cross-link shows that the oxygen released and the water absorbed are part of the same reaction.

containholdabsorbstake inabsorbproduceis used forreleaseis split to releasepowers making ofPlantsChloroplastsChlorophyllSunlightCarbon dioxideWaterGlucoseGrowthOxygen

The water cycle concept map

Focus question: How does water move around Earth?

Processes are the link labels, so the map reads as a loop of sentences rather than a list of stages.

is driven bybegins withlose water byformsreleasecollects insoaks intoflow back toheatsWater cycleSunOceansEvaporationCloudsPrecipitationRiversGroundwater

Food web concept map

Focus question: How does energy move through an ecosystem?

Each label is an energy transfer. Cross-links capture the web part: one prey feeds several predators.

starts withcaptured byeaten byeaten byeaten byeaten byrecycled byeaten bybroken down byEnergy in anecosystemSunGrassRabbitFoxGrasshopperFrogDecomposers

Causes of the American Revolution concept map

Focus question: Why did the colonies break from Britain?

History concept maps work best when the links are causes, so each line is a claim you could defend in an essay.

was triggered byincludedincludedled towas fuelled byinspiredescalated afterprovokedAmerican RevolutionTaxation withoutrepresentationStamp Act 1765Tea Act 1773Boston Tea PartyEnlightenment ideasDeclaration ofIndependenceLexington and Concord1775

Supply and demand concept map

Focus question: What sets the price of a product?

Economics concepts are relationships, which makes them natural concept-map material. Read each chain aloud to check it.

is set wherefalls whenrises whenrises whenrises whenrises whenshiftsMarket priceSupply meets demandSupply risesProduction costs fallDemand risesIncomes riseSubstitute prices rise

Diabetes (nursing) concept map

Focus question: How does type 2 diabetes affect the body?

Nursing and medical students use concept maps to link a condition to its causes, signs and care. This one is simplified for illustration, not clinical guidance.

is caused byraisescausesrisk increased byis managed bymay needis monitored byimprovesType 2 diabetesInsulin resistanceBlood glucoseThirst and frequent urinationInactivity and excessweightDiet and exerciseMedicationHbA1c test

Make your own

Open the concept map maker, or start from the blank concept map template. Not sure which diagram you need? Read mind map vs concept map.

Questions people ask

What is an example of a concept map?

A water cycle map is the classic one: “Sun → drives → Evaporation → forms → Clouds → release → Precipitation”. Each pair of concepts plus its linking words makes a true sentence, and cross-links (rivers flow back to oceans) close the loop.

What makes a good concept map?

A focus question at the top, concepts as short nouns, a verb phrase on every line, general ideas above specific ones, and at least a few cross-links between branches. Novak and Cañas (IHMC) point to cross-links as the clearest sign of real understanding.

How is a concept map different from a mind map?

A mind map branches from one centre without labelled lines. A concept map labels every link and lets ideas connect across branches. See the full comparison for an interactive side-by-side.

Can I edit these examples?

Yes. Click “Edit this example” to open it in the free concept map maker, where you can change labels, add cross-links and export to PNG, SVG or PDF.