Every day you study a new concept in school. Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, English! So many subjects and concepts to learn!

Do you know that mind maps can help you understand your NCERT chapters in just a few minutes?
If you forget definitions in exams, if Trigonometry and Physics formulas mix up in your head, don’t worry. Mind maps will help you remember them.
Excited to check them out? First, know what mind maps are and their 3 best uses. Here we go.

What is a mind map?
A mind map is a graphical/visual representation of a concept. Sounds confusing? Let us simplify it.
How do you look at a picture? Left to right? Top to bottom? Or do you look at it as a whole?
Our brains perceive information as a complete piece. A mind map diagram explains a concept or topic by showing relationships with its subparts.
Tony Buzan, known as the inventor of mind maps, made them popular.
Enough words, let’s see an example of a mind map.

This is a mind map of the Science NCERT chapter Fibre to Fabric.
Mind mapping is done around a single topic.
Then, subtopics are branched out using curved lines. Do you know why? Because the brain likes curved lines. Strange, but true!
And the information is in words instead of sentences. Because it is easier to remember words or short phrases.
Not to forget colours and pictures. Our brains love colours and images. They help in better understanding and memory.
Mind mapping is like brainstorming- thinking hard about an idea and imagining as much as you can. Asking your brain what, how, when, where, and who is creative and fun, isn’t it? That’s why our brains love mind maps.

The benefits of mind maps in CBSE classes
According to a study[1] at the University of Wolverhampton, mind maps improve students’ academic performance.
Another study by David A. Boley[2] suggests that those students who used the mind map technique improved their grades by 12%.
Today, students, teachers, and engineers are using mind maps to brainstorm ideas, improve memory and solve problems.

Here are some advantages of mind maps for students.

1. Mind map for Maths
   In his study, Martin Davies [3] has found that mind maps make learning engaging.
   Maths is fun if you are deeply involved in it. Difficult topics like Algebra and Geometry become easier to understand with mind maps.
   Here is a mind map of the maths Class 6 NCERT book chapter Playing with Numbers.

Maths concepts look abstract to some students. Mind maps help in the visualization of maths topics.
Look at this mind map of the maths NCERT chapter Symmetry.

2. Mind map of Science
   Look at these mind maps of Science CBSE chapters.

Some Science chapters are complex for students to understand. Biology diagrams, Chemistry periodic table, Physics derivations are scary for students. What if these topics are made simple for you? Mind maps do that.
In a 2017 survey[4], on merits of mind maps, it was found that mind maps help in better understanding of complex concepts.

3. Mind map of History
   History can be a boring subject, especially for those students who cannot memorize names and dates.
   Mind maps help in remembering long History chapters and facts.
   So, you can revise the chapters quickly before the exam.
   You can also write long essays by brainstorming the topic and making a mind map.
   In the study[5], The efficacy of the ‘mind map’ study technique, it was found that mind maps improve memory and retention by more than 10%.

How to create a mind map?
Mind map making is simple.
Pick a topic.
Start with the centre of a page and connect subtopics related to it.
Write the relation between the two on curved lines.
Use only words or small phrases for description.
Then take a sub-topic and keep thinking and explaining it further.

Next steps- Make a mind map
Now that you know how to draw a mind map, why don’t you make one yourself?
Start with your favourite subject or chapter. Mind mapping is a brain-stimulating and enjoyable exercise.[6]
You will love it, just try.
You can also use a mind map website and download premade mind maps. SeekoG has free mind maps for English, Maths, Social Science and Science NCERT lessons. Log in to the website to enjoy free SeekoG mind maps.
Read more resources to learn about mind maps here.
(link to other blogs)