Concept-based curriculum focuses the study of topics by organizing multiple concepts into “big ideas”. Concepts are timeless, universal, abstract, and broad. This curriculum is multi-disciplinary and skills-embedded. It goes beyond the facts to provide the depth and breadth in the topics that gifted students need. Unit activities will require students to learn and practice the skills and methodologies of topic related disciplines as they grapple with the essential questions in their quest to uncover certain essential understandings. By exploring relationships among broad concepts, students develop critical and creative thinking skills. Each concept-based unit ends with the culminating performance task designed to demonstrate the understanding of one or more essential understandings. This authentic product is used to evaluate what students know, understand, and can do as a result of the unit of study.
Concept-based Curriculum Resource:
Erikson, H. L., 2002. Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction: Teaching Beyond the Facts. Corwin Press: Thousand Oaks, CA
Concept-based units are color coded for your convenience and follow this organizational format:
•Topic:
•Suggested Grade Level:
•Conceptual Lens:
•Supporting Concepts:
•Careers:
•Process Skills:
•Vocabulary:
•Overview: (for the teacher)
•Pre-assessment: (none for 3rd grade)
•Culminating Performance Task:
•Essential Understanding(s): (written in red)
•Essential Questions: (written in blue)
•Scaffolded Questions: (written in green)
•Instructional Activities: (written in purple)
