Concept Cartoons

Cartoon-style illustrations showing characters with different viewpoints about a concept, prompting learners to discuss which ideas are correct and why.

Visual organisers

A concept cartoons diagram

What is concept cartoons?

Cartoon characters express different viewpoints about a concept in speech bubbles
Learners discuss which character they agree with and explain why
Surfaces misconceptions in a non-threatening way because the characters are having the argument
Provides real-time formative assessment data as learners reveal their thinking

A concept cartoons diagram

How it works

A concept cartoon shows a simple illustration with three to five characters, each expressing a different viewpoint about a concept in speech bubbles. Some viewpoints are scientifically accurate, some contain common misconceptions, and some are partially correct.

Present the cartoon to the class or to small groups. Learners discuss which character they agree with and why. The format is deliberately non-threatening because the characters are having the argument, not the learners. This makes it easier for learners to change their mind without losing face.

The power of concept cartoons lies in surfacing misconceptions. When a learner says "I agree with Sian because..." they reveal their current understanding, giving you formative assessment data in real time.

Classroom example

A Year 7 Science and Technology lesson on dissolving. The cartoon shows three characters looking at sugar in a cup of tea. Character A says "The sugar has melted." Character B says "The sugar has disappeared." Character C says "The sugar has dissolved and is still there." Groups discuss each viewpoint and design a simple test to prove which is correct, leading naturally into practical investigation.

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Curriculum for Wales connection

Concept cartoons develop the "Develop" strand of thinking skills, specifically thinking about cause and effect and forming opinions. They are especially powerful in Science and Technology where misconceptions are well-documented, but work equally well in Humanities and Health and Well-being for exploring values and beliefs.

Rainbow Curriculum's Thinking Tools lens lets you map where concept cartoons appear across your curriculum, ensuring misconceptions are tackled deliberately rather than left to chance.

Tips

Include at least one common misconception in the character viewpoints. Research your topic's typical misconceptions beforehand.
Leave one speech bubble blank. Learners add their own viewpoint, which deepens engagement.
Keep the cartoon simple. Stick figures are fine. The ideas matter, not the artwork.
Follow up with investigation. The best concept cartoons lead to "How could we find out who's right?"