Purposeful Approach to the Crosscutting Concepts
Three Dimensional Learning
The OpenSciEd Curriculum Specifications define the approach to designing and supporting science teaching and learning that three dimensional in service of student sensemaking. To see how each of the Practices and Crosscutting Concepts is supported throughout the OpenSciEd Curriculum, visit the Scope & Sequence page.
The Crosscutting Concepts
Crosscutting concepts are ways of understanding scientific concepts as they relate to real-world phenomena and are central to robust and applicable science understanding. In OpenSciEd materials, crosscutting concepts continually develop as students explore, explain, and make sense of phenomena at increasing levels of sophistication within units, across units, and across grades. Units are designed so that students experience the continual integration of crosscutting concepts in ways that they recognize are relevant and useful to the context and activities of the unit. Students learn to use consistent language of crosscutting concepts when discussing phenomena and engaging in science practices.