Thinking Skill – What is Bridge Map

Thinking Skill – What is Bridge Map

2-2 minutes

A bridge map helps us show relationships between two ideas, topics, areas, etc. This technique identifies similarities between relationships and creates analogies between a pair of words. The most common uses for a Bridge Map are scientific concepts, historic events, and mathematical relationships.

As shown in the examples below, the relating factor is a similar pair of words (or phrase)that fits both sides of an analogy.

When using a bridge map:

First, identify the “relating factors” between the pairs that are being shared.

In each pair, the item at the top relates to the bottom item in the same way.

On the right side of the bridge, write in the second pair of things that have the same relationship connected with an “AS”

The bridge can continue with more relating factors.

Thus, a Bridge Map provides a visual image for creating and interpreting analogies.

Bridge map examples:

The word “house” is synonyms for “home” AS the word “car” is a synonym for “automobile” as is a synonym for “jet”.