The relationship between concept ovals is explained by the linking words written on the line connecting the concept ovals. Usually there is a hierarchal placement of concepts on the page. The broader, more encompassing concepts are at the top and the more specific concepts or examples are near the bottom. But the concept map is different from an organizational chart because in a concept map there are crosslinks. Crosslinks are connections made between concept ovals across the page.
Science is a very interrelated field, and many concepts can be related to more than one concept.
Concept mapping allows for this rich connectivity to emerge. A well drawn concept map will read like a sentence in any direction you read. The linking words written on the connecting lines specify the relationship and make sense when you read them. The teacher may need to practice concept mapping with the class by doing a topic together on the board, perhaps a topic such as fast food. See an example of a concept map Each group will arrange the concept words for their topic on the table or floor.