Now that we have a topic, lets begin thinking about the many aspects of that topic that we can think about, learn, and teach. We will create a visual guide to the concept, a living document that can be modified and contemplated throughout our planning and exploration.

Here are some simple steps:

1. Get a blank sheet of paper, the bigger the better.
2. Get some colored pencils, markers, or crayons.
3. Write your topic in the center of the sheet.

That is the beginninng. Now comes the fun part.

1. Think of an aspect or attribute relating to your topic and write it somewhere on the page.
2. Think of another aspect of your topic and write it elsewhere on the page.
3. Draw a line connecting the main topic and sub-aspect.
4. Repeat this process, creating as many sub-aspects as necessary in a branching fashion.
5. Be sure to use colors and pictures to augment the words and enhance meaning.

There are many different methods for mind-mapping and you will surely create your own. There are no wrong turns or connections. Your mind map does not have to be hierarchical nor does your original topic need to remain as the focal point. This is visual Jazz.

Task: Share your mind map with the class by uploading it to a free content repository such as Wikiversity and then post it to this discussion area.