Module 3 - Curriculum-Framing Questions to Support Thinking Skills
Activity 3.3
Step 2 (continued)
"Big Ideas"
In order to develop a Critical Question, it is often helpful to identify the “Big Idea”—or the Overarching Concept—that you will be teaching. This concept should serve as the theme for the larger project. These ideas provide the framework where learners will connect specific knowledge and skills in order to see the purpose and relevance of the topic they are studying across learning areas / subjects. Often, these concepts are found in your curriuculum statements. Listed below are some "big idea" concepts.
| Acceptance | Diversity | Adaptation | Energy |
| Balance | Equality | Beauty | Ethics |
| Change | Excellence | Chaos | Exploration |
| Choice | Family | Communication | Force |
| Community | Form | Conflict | Freedom |
| Connection | Friendship | Cooperation | Future |
| Courage | Geography | Cycles | Happiness |
| Dignity | Harmony | Honor | Power |
| Identity | Progress | Individuality | Proportion |
| Integrity | Responsibility | Journey | Rights |
| Law | Risk | Leadership | Rule |
| Liberty | Scale | Matter | Systems |
| Migration | Time | Motivation | Truth |
| Need | Universe | Patterns | Value |
| Perspective | Virtue | Pollution | Wealth |
Revising Critical Questions Using "Big Ideas"
With a partner, pick one or more of the Critical Questions on the next two pages. Brainstorm some "big ideas" that could relate to each Critical Question. The questions in the left column should be considered "first draft" and still needing improvement. After identifying one or more big ideas for the question(s) you want to improve, work together to revise at least one of the Critical Questions based on one or more of the big ideas. You may want to refer to the summary of curriculum-framing questions.
Click here to open the worksheet on Revising Critical Questions
