Feature Guide
Diagrams, Concept Maps, and Word Clouds
Use DrawSplatTM thinking tools to organize vocabulary, show relationships, plan processes, and turn text into visual structures.
Tools in this guide
- Concept Map: create editable nodes, links, images, and connectors.
- Mermaid Diagram: render flowcharts and other Mermaid diagrams locally.
- Word Cloud: turn word lists into shaped visual summaries.
- Connectors: draw labeled relationships between objects.
Classroom uses
- Build vocabulary maps with examples, non-examples, and pictures.
- Map cause and effect in science, history, or literature.
- Ask students to make a flowchart of a procedure or story sequence.
- Paste class brainstorm words into a word cloud and discuss repeated themes.
Concept map workflow
- Open the Concept Map tool.
- Add one idea per line. Use indented or child lines for connected ideas.
- Add links or images when a node should connect to a source or visual.
- Insert the map, then move nodes and connectors directly on the board.
- Double-click or use the inspector to refine labels, shapes, links, and images.
Tips
- Use short node labels; put longer explanations in nearby sticky notes.
- Use labeled connectors for relationships such as "causes," "supports," "contrasts," or "leads to."
- Keep Mermaid diagrams simple for students; use them when typed structure is faster than hand-arranging shapes.
- Use word clouds as discussion starters, not final evidence. Ask students to explain why important words appear larger or smaller.
