Visualizing Informational Structures

A 5-lesson sequence for 6th-grade students focused on using visualization strategies to understand informational texts, including spatial relationships, schematic diagrams, cause-and-effect flowcharts, and concepts of scale. Students move from sensory imagery to building mental models of complex systems and processes.

Spatial Blueprinting

Students focus on spatial prepositions to build mental models of objects and processes. They practice 'building' objects in their minds based on precise directional language before seeing physical diagrams.

The Schematic Mind

Students learn to differentiate between realistic mental pictures and schematic mental diagrams. They practice converting descriptive text about cycles and systems into functional mental models.

Chain Reaction Visualization

Students visualize logic flows and 'if/then' scenarios. They learn to see historical and scientific causal chains as interconnected mental flowcharts.

Scaling Your Sight

Students use comparative visualization to understand objects that are too large or too small to see easily. They learn to use familiar objects to anchor their mental models of scale.

Mastering the Model

Students apply their visualization skills by reading informational text and creating their own visual aids to teach the concept to others, demonstrating mastery of mental modeling.