Fall+2015+SpicyNodes+Module+Page


 * What is SpicyNodes?**

SpicyNodes is an innovative way to create concept maps for use in the classroom. Students (or teachers) can create a web based on specific concepts and add nodes (branches) to expand upon the concept by adding more information and details. Pictures, video, and sound can be added in order to enhance the learning experience.

Spicynodes Tutorial

Video Tutorial on Youtube (not created by me)


 * What are the benefits of SpicyNodes?**

Benefits for teachers: Teachers can use SpicyNodes to create concept maps of where student learning should go. It could serve as a means of presenting notes to the class that they can use in a small group setting, or it could be a model of what final products should look like for the class.

Benefits for students: Students can use SpicyNodes as an interactive way of taking notes and developing further knowledge about a concept within any content area. They can also use this tool to create interactive research projects to present to the class.

Students and teachers alike can use SpicyNodes to research broad concepts and navigate through large quantities of materials that may otherwise be overwhelming. The delivery of SpicyNodes allows for engagement and interaction with difficult concepts and provides a visual example for students who are visual learners. By allowing students to create maps, they are able to learn the materials presented in a more thorough manner based on their independent levels of learning.


 * Here is an example of a SpicyNodes Nodemap we created.**

Elements of Fiction


 * SpicyNodes Activity**

Students who are working on finding key ideas and details in nonfiction text can sometimes be less-than-engaged. So, in your guided reading groups, have students collaborate to create a SpicyNodes Nodemap. You, as the teacher, can create the outline - maybe even with specific questions to answer about the text. Then have students work together to find the answers to your questions and fill in the Nodemap that you started. If you have several groups of students working on different parts of the same text, you can have those student groups present their findings to the whole class using the Nodemap.


 * How can I use SpicyNodes in my classroom?**

Teacher Examples Here is the teacher-created example of a Nodemap of the English Colonies: Teacher's English Colonies Nodemap

Node maps are great for illustrating connections among different concepts in any content area. Try using SpicyNodes to create your own semantic map when teaching vocabulary or using it like Prezi to create an interactive presentation of the most important ideas in your lesson.

Student Examples Here is an example of a Nodemap completed by fifth grade students: English Colonies Nodemap from Harper's Homeroom (Forgive the imperfections - this was completed relatively independently by students in small groups!)

Students learn how to outline information interactively using this online tool. SpicyNodes can help your students brainstorm and organize their ideas for writing assignments or summarize important concepts from a previous lesson as a review.