Creator: Colin Dunn and Nick Gauthier | visit site
Grade Range: K - 11
Exobrain is an easy to use brainstorming and mind mapping tool. Register using email and a password to begin creating a board with "nodes." Give the central node a name then drag your mouse to create additional nodes. Create links between nodes by dragging a line between them or remove links by hovering over the line and clicking the scissors. Free accounts allow for three cloud-based maps. Access using the unique url generated for each mind map. The introductory video requires Flash, the remainder of the site does not. <i>Be aware: maps can be viewed publicly. Be sure to check your district policy on publishing student work online.</i>
In the Classroom
Use this resource to map out a poem, story, or novel students are reading. Use in managing (and even color-coding) information in any content area. Assess prior knowledge with a class brainstorm. Use as a plan for projects to show all information and all steps for its completion. This would also be a great tool for group projects for your students or even in YOUR grad classes! Teachers in lower grades can create whole class maps together. Share the maps on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Since you can only create three maps for free, you might want to compare with other <a href="/content/edge.cfm?c=7">mind-mapping tools</a> reviewed at the TeachersFirst Edge.
At Home
Share this site with your student to use to organize for a project or study. With younger students, do the map together. If you are trying to settle a sibling argument, have the kids brainstorm possible solutions (write down EVERYTHING during the brainstorm phase). Then revisit the many options to color code and sort the best choices.
Tags
Subjects
English, Language Arts, Math, Professional, Reading, Science, Social Studies, Social Studies, TeachersFirst Edge, Writing,