PSLE Science Concept Maps & Visual Revision Techniques
If your child struggles to remember or connect key Science concepts for the PSLE, they’re not alone. Many students can memorise facts — but come exam day, they freeze when asked to apply or link ideas.
That’s where concept maps come in. These powerful visual tools help children:
Organise information
See relationships between topics
Remember core concepts more easily
Revise more strategically
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use concept maps effectively for PSLE Science revision — whether your child is in P5 just starting or weeks away from the big exam.
Benefits of Concept Maps
Concept maps turn abstract information into visual structure. For Science students, this is a game-changer. Here’s how they help:
1. Big Picture Clarity
Instead of seeing topics as isolated, students see how ideas connect. For example, they’ll spot links between:
Heat and States of Matter
Plant reproduction and Life Cycles
Light, Shadows, and Reflection
2. Memory Boost
Visual information is easier to recall than long text. Concept maps often use:
Colour-coded branches
Diagrams or icons
Arrows showing cause-effect relationships
This style of active recall helps embed key terms and relationships.
3. Exam Technique Training
Many PSLE Science questions test relationships, comparisons, or processes — exactly what a concept map is built to show.
By using concept maps, students practise explaining ideas clearly and concisely — perfect for open-ended responses.
Core Science Concepts Map
Let’s start with the big picture.
Below is a simplified version of a Core PSLE Science Concept Map showing how the 5 key themes connect:
Cycles (e.g. Life Cycles, Water Cycle)
Systems (e.g. Human Body, Electrical Circuits)
Interactions (e.g. Forces, Magnetism, Ecosystems)
Energy (e.g. Light, Heat, Photosynthesis)
Diversity (e.g. Classification of Living Things)
Each branch leads to subtopics with definitions, diagrams, and experiment links.
Example:
"Systems" → "Digestive System" → Organs → Functions → Flow of food → Nutrient absorptionTopic‑by‑Topic Maps
Let’s zoom in on how individual topic maps can be structured. Here are examples for a few popular themes:
🔬 Light & Shadows Concept Map
Light travels in straight lines
↳ explains formation of shadows
↳ helps understand how size/shape changesOpaque vs Transparent vs Translucent
Reflection and Angle of Incidence
Everyday Applications (mirrors, sunglasses, solar panels)
🧲 Magnets Concept Map
Properties: attract/repel, only certain materials
Magnetic vs non-magnetic
Poles: North/South
↳ same poles repel, opposite attractUses: compasses, fridge doors, MRI machines
🌿 Plant Reproduction Concept Map
Flower parts: stigma, anther, ovary, pollen
Pollination → Fertilisation → Seed Dispersal
Types of seed dispersal: wind, water, animals
Comparison with Human Reproduction (if applicable)
How To Create Your Own
Creating a concept map doesn’t need to be fancy, it just needs to be clear and connected.
Here’s a simple 5-step method your child can follow:
Step 1: Start With One Central Idea
Write the topic name in a box in the middle (e.g. “Heat”).
Step 2: Branch Out Key Subtopics
Add 3–5 key sub-ideas (e.g. “Conductors”, “Expansion”, “State Change”).
Step 3: Link Terms with Arrows
Use arrows or lines to show cause-effect, sequence, or comparison.
E.g.
“Heat causes → Expansion”
“Metal is a → Good conductor”
Step 4: Add Visual Elements
Draw quick sketches or symbols to illustrate ideas (e.g. thermometer, ice cube, kettle).
Step 5: Use Keywords Only
Keep it short and punchy, with no full sentences. This trains the brain to recall information quickly.
👨🏫 Exam Coach Top Tip: Use colour to group similar ideas, such as blue for processes, green for definitions, red for warnings or common mistakes.
Study Tips
Once your child has a few strong maps, how do they use them for revision?
Here’s how to maximise learning:
✅ 1. Start With a “Blank Recall”
Before opening notes, challenge your child to recreate the concept map from memory.
This forces active recall, one of the best ways to lock in information.
✅ 2. Use Maps as Teaching Tools
Ask your child to explain the concept map to you — as if they were the teacher.
This builds confidence, improves explanation clarity, and strengthens retention.
✅ 3. Link Maps to Practice Papers
When tackling multiple choice or open-ended questions, encourage your child to refer back to their maps to find relationships or keywords.
Example:
MCQ: What causes a shadow to become smaller?
→ Go to “Light” concept map → link between distance and shadow size.
✅ 4. Time-Based Challenges
Set a timer (5–10 mins) and ask your child to draw a full concept map for one topic.
This simulates time pressure and helps with exam-speed revision.
Final Thoughts
Concept maps help turn information overload into structured understanding. For PSLE Science, they’re one of the most effective ways to revise large amounts of content quickly and meaningfully.
Encourage your child to:
Use concept maps early and often
Connect them with real-world experiments
Combine them with targeted practice questions
And remember — the best maps are personal. They don’t need to look perfect, just reflect how your child thinks and learns.
