Portfolio Narrative Final Summative Report Dissemination-Implementation Plan Teacher Resources List of Artifacts Economics Holidays Around the World Greek Mythology List of Artifacts Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean U.S. Regions U.S. Government

Concept-based units are based on the principles set forth by Dr. H. Lynn Erikson. Traditional units are based on content-based themes such as dinosaurs, trains, or plants. Concept-based units are tied together by broad, universal concepts such as continuity and change, culture, or interdependence. Concept-based units are typically interdisciplinary in nature, tying together multiple disciplines under the same umbrella concept. Each concept-based unit includes a conceptual lens, enduring understandings, guiding questions, critical content, key skills, performance tasks, and learning experiences. Enduring understandings, or generalizations, state a purpose for learning, and can be applied broadly over time and situations. Guiding questions are open-ended questions that replace the traditional objectives in a content-based curriculum. The guiding questions elicit deep thought and critical thinking. Critical content includes the information that students must learn during the unit. Key skills indicate what the student must be able to do after completing the unit; these resemble traditional objectives. Learning experiences may include field trips, games, simulations, and activities that help the student apply the information and concepts learned in the unit. Performance tasks occur at the culmination of a unit, and demonstrate a student's understanding of the material and ability to transfer that knowledge to concepts. In this portfolio, you will find information about how I planned and developed six concept-based units. Categories for the artifacts include SmartBoard lessons, interactive notebooks, simulations, videos, close reading passages, children's literature, and activities. Work cited: Erickson, H. L. (2008). Stirring the head, heart, and soul: redefining curriculum and instruction. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.