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Turn your lesson notes into a concept map for teachers

Upload a PDF, DOCX, slide deck, or photo of a page and get an editable mind map you can explore on screen.

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How teachers use a concept map in lesson planning

A unit plan often holds more ideas than one slide can show, and a concept map for teachers puts those ideas into one visual that shows how they connect. Students can see which terms sit under which larger ideas.

  • Turn a unit reading into a map of key terms and subtopics
  • Check whether students connect cause, effect, and example correctly
  • Edit branches after class so the next version reflects what worked
  • If you need a printable handout, generate one from your own material and export it on Plus
Example branches for a concept map on the water cycle
EvaporationLiquid water turns into vapor · driven by solar energy · happens over oceans, lakes, and soil
CondensationWater vapor cools · forms droplets around tiny particles · produces clouds and fog
PrecipitationDroplets grow heavy · falls as rain, snow, sleet, or hail · soaks into ground or runs off
CollectionWater gathers in oceans, lakes, and rivers · groundwater stores water underground · ice caps hold frozen water
TranspirationPlants release water vapor through leaves · adds moisture to the air · part of the broader water cycle
Generate the full set

Works from your materials

Upload PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, plain text notes, or photos of pages. Text in images is read with text recognition.

Editable and explorable

Rename branches, move ideas, and expand or collapse sections so the map fits the lesson you actually taught.

Ready for class discussion

Use the map to prompt questions or to check whether students connect the key terms correctly.

How it works

Add your material

Upload a unit reading, lecture notes, or a slide deck from the lesson.

Generate the map

DeckOwl drafts a mind map of the main concepts and how they relate to each other.

Edit and export

Adjust branches to match your lesson. PDF and DOCX export are included with the Plus plan.

DeckOwl reads your own material, such as a unit reading, lecture notes, or a scanned handout, and drafts a mind map of the main concepts. You then edit the branches so the map matches what you actually taught.

The map works as a starting point rather than a finished handout. The free plan includes 3 generations per month for studying in the browser, and PDF and DOCX exports come with Plus.

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Frequently asked questions

How many main concepts should a concept map for a lesson include?

Most lesson maps work well with 6 to 12 main concepts, each with a few supporting details. Fewer keeps the map readable on a projector, while more suits a full unit review.

How do I teach students to build a concept map?

Have them list key terms first, then rank the terms from general to specific. Next, ask them to label each link with a short phrase, such as causes or is an example of.

Can I get a printable concept map?

Yes, generate one from your own notes or readings, then export it as a PDF on the Plus plan. The free plan lets you study in the browser without exports.

Does DeckOwl need a credit card to start?

No. You can start on the free plan without a credit card, and students with a school email get 40% off Plus.

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Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.