Science Learning Through Mind Maps

Science Learning Through Mind Maps translates the different facets of science into easy-to-follow, concise maps, which teachers can use as innovative, powerful visual tools.

Ages: 5-12 years

About the Authors

Picture of Chris Astall

Chris Astall

After gaining a PhD in marine biology in 1992, Dr Chris Astall trained to become a primary school teacher and taught in schools in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Since 2008 he has been a senior lecturer in science education at the University of Canterbury, in Christchurch, New Zealand, a role that involves working with many schools throughout the country. In 1999 he was awarded the prestigious Royal Society (UK) Millennium Fellowship for his community science development project “Saturday Science and Technology”. His current research interests include the use of ICT in science education, the development of nature of science through children’s literature and exploring how schools can develop sustainable science practices. He has presented nationally and internationally and has facilitated numerous workshops, through science conferences and consultation work.
Picture of Lee Astall

Lee Astall

In her 30 years of teaching, Lee Astall has worked at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. After teaching English, dance, drama and film studies at secondary school, she worked for 25 years as a primary teacher, with specialist interest in science, art and English. While she was deputy headteacher and headteacher at a primary school, she also worked as a teacher adviser (science education) at both regional and national levels in the United Kingdom. Retiring in 2004, Lee taught at Liverpool and Lancaster Universities briefly before moving to France to live. Lee moved to Christchurch, New Zealand with her husband in 2015 to be with her family and is now drawing on her experience of teaching and learning to develop educational resources. Throughout her teaching career, Lee has used mind mapping extensively with children and has led numerous workshops in this area.