Mind maps and concept maps are two great teaching tools that can be used for any themed lesson.  Although mind maps and concept maps look similar they are very different.  A mind map is a visual organizer that is used to organize information.  It usually involves a single concept that is placed in the centre of a web-like  visual.  Around the central concept word students brainstorm vocabulary /ideas that are related to the central concept.  Mind maps are more personal, and flexible.  They usually represent a relationship of pieces, located around the concept, which usually represents one idea. Concept maps also suggest relationships between concepts, however they are more specific than mind maps.  Concept maps are used to organize and structure knowledge/ideas that are inter-related.  They usually focus on more than one idea.  Concept maps start with one simple concept or idea, and branch out into many more complex ideas.  They resemble the branches of a tree.