Concepts

Central Idea Concept Topic Concept Topic FACTFACT FACTFACT FACTFACT FACTFACT Two concepts linked by a strong action verb: Migration may lead to new opportunities or greater freedom OR People migrate to meet a variety of needs. Migration; needs; opportunity; freedom Routes of Migrations Settlers followed specific paths to get to their new areas Settlers looked for new opportunity Settlers wanted more freedom. Facts and topics are specific to place and time.

Change + Conflict Conflicts between nations often lead to a significant change for the citizens of all nations involved. Scarcity + Conflict Distribution of vital resources on the planet can lead to conflict over their management and usage. CVC

Sample Central Idea

Scaffolding Thinking to Complex Levels Social Studies Level 1 All cultures have celebrations. Why do cultures have celebrations? Level 2 Celebrations express traditions of a culture. So what—is the significance or effect? Level 3 Traditions help to unify a people.

Evaluating Scaffolding Criteria Do the ideas grow with sophistication? Do the ideas become clearer from level to level because they are more specific (use more specific concepts)? Did the writers answer their question at leach level? Are the verbs active and present tense? Are the ideas based in fact? Are they true? Are the ideas important? Are the ideas developmentally appropriate for students? (Erickson)

All living things have life cycles characterised by physical change and changing roles. Change Form Responsibilit y An inquiry into: the major phases in the life cycle of animals. changes in the bodies of animals as they go through the life cycle how roles change over life cycles How do the roles of living things change over their life cycle? What are physical changes that living things go through over their life cycle? How do living things change over their life cycle?

Matter can be changed to address our daily needs. Change Connection Form An inquiry into: the properties of matter. processes that cause matter to change how we change matter to make our lives easier. What are the properties of the different forms of matter? What are the processes that change matter? How can we control these changes to meet our needs?

Topic Concepts specific Standards? abstract universal timeless 1 or 2 words generalization broad/ abstract universal timeless true present tense verb connects 2 concepts e.g. Seals live in cold ocean water. e.g. Animals, Habitats e.g. Time, Change, Adaptation e.g. Living organisms have adapted over time to survive in their habitat. Central Idea

Look at your “topic” through a different conceptual lens. Economic need can create a dependence of one nation upon another. Social, economic or political oppression often leads to conflict or revolution. A nation’s desire for political or economic freedom and independence may facilitate alliances with other nations. The articulation of beliefs and values can often result in conflict. Through persuasion, people attempt to convince an audience to share their point of view.

Taking It Deeper Move from Level I to Level II by asking HOW? Or WHY? Move from Level II to Level III by asking SO WHAT? or What importance or significance does this understanding have for society, the individual, and so on? Page 14

Page 15 Improving a Central Idea Fact: A celebration is to observe a notable occasion with festivities.  Lower-level generalization (L1): All cultures have celebrations. WHY do cultures have celebrations?  Intermediate-level generalization (L2): Celebrations express the traditions of a culture. WHY are traditions important to a culture?  Universal-level generalization (L3): Traditions reflect the beliefs, values, and heritage of a culture.