Planned Big-Idea Themes
Table 9.5 identifies nine inquiry themes that many teachers and curricular programs choose to use because they relate to children’s immediate environment, prior experiences, and typical interests. These themes are also flexible and can be readily adapted to the age/developmental level of children, and connected with local or regional culture, geography, demographics, and history. Alongside the big ideas, Table 9.5 lists key inquiry questions, coded to the ten NCSS themes listed above, and ideas for activities and strategies.