> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.fariaedu.com/pyp-unit-planning/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.fariaedu.com/pyp-unit-planning/overview/central-idea.md). # Central idea Each unit of inquiry will have a central idea, crafted during the collaborative planning process. Central ideas are written as a complete sentence and should be a statement that provides guidance for uncovering learning throughout the unit of inquiry. Central ideas are written to be globally significant, provoke student inquiry and should be broad, timeless, universal and abstract. In developing or revising a central idea, consider the following questions: * Does it offer students opportunities to explore the commonalities of the human experience? * Does it promote the associated conceptual understandings? * Is it broad enough to offer multiple lines of inquiry? * Is it underpinned by concepts (for example, key and related concepts)? * Is it relevant to students in all cultures and contexts? * Will it engage students in thinking critically and creatively? * Does it present an opportunity for students to co-construct meaning of the conceptual framework being explored? * Is it open to a range of student responses? *-PYP From Principles into Practice 'A transdisciplinary programme of inquiry' section* When drafting the central idea for a unit of inquiry, it is common to consider and use wording from the identified related concepts to help focus the statement. Additionally, reviewing the selected wording from the theme descriptor may help focus and narrow the scope of the discussion. {% hint style="success" %} A valuable question to pose might be, 'What is the big idea about which I want my students to better understand?'. {% endhint %} {% embed url="" %} Central Idea {% endembed %} --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://guide.fariaedu.com/pyp-unit-planning/overview/central-idea.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.