My knowledge about Human Development Lifespan developed through concept maps through using it as a studying moment at the end of each module. With creating each concept map I would go over all of the module readings and re-read about what we learned about throughout the week. I would ensure to include multiple topics in the concept map so that it spanned across the whole module. I would draw a lot of the concepts out that took time and articulate thought to draw things that help symbolize the topics we learned. 

2. What were your top 3 concept maps and why?

My top three concept maps are my first three concept maps. The first one I really like because I came up with the design myself and it has a lot of symbolism embedded in it. It portrays the Nurture vs Nature topic with a vine in the middle separating but connected both sides to the growing brain. This shows that through our lifespan we are affected by both our genes as well as our environment, each having their pros and cons. The second one is about cognitive development. I enjoyed displaying Piaget’s theory with images that helped portray the stages during birth through 12 years and more. Finally, the third one means the most to me because it is about my family. I connected the most with this module because my siblings went through an entire journey of health complications due to a dna birth defect from my mother and father. Reading the scientific journal about them made me realize how powerful knowledge can be and their story is able to further push doctors and scientists to help other families with the same rare disease of Zap-70. 

3. What have you learned about Human Development Lifespan by compiling this portfolio? Looking at individual concept maps and looking at them as a whole masterpiece?

Through this portfolio I have learned that humans go through many changes throughout their lifespan. Not only physical and mental changes but emotionally as well. There are so many facets of life that can be explained through our childhood experiences and adversities. It brings much more empathy and compassion for those who may be experiencing hardships later in life with knowledge of how they may have gotten to that point in the first place. Looking at the maps individually it is a glimpse to a separate part of our lives that we all went through. Looking at them as a whole puts everything together and helps summarize a little bit of each stage to look forward to and also educate ourselves on how to live the best life.