Key concepts
The PYP identifies seven key concepts that facilitate planning for a conceptual approach to transdisciplinary and subject-specific learning. Together, these key concepts form the component that drives the teacher- and/or student-constructed inquiries that lie at the heart of the PYP curriculum. -PYP From Principles into Practice 'Concepts and conceptual understanding' section
Key concepts | Key questions |
Form | What is it like? |
Function | How does it work? |
Causation | Why is it as it is? |
Change | How is it transforming? |
Connection | How is it linked to other things? |
Perspective | What are the points of view? |
Responsibility | What are our obligations? |
-PYP From Principles into Practice 'Concepts and conceptual understanding' section
Language of the key concepts is typically utilized both in and outside of the units of inquiry. While students and teachers are continuously expressing their curiosity in a variety of ways, three key concepts are typically chosen as a focus and lens with which to provide depth and breadth to a unit of inquiry.
Key concepts can be directly connected to, or used in facilitating, the crafting of the lines of inquiry for a given unit. They are meant to be used as a vehicle of significance regardless of time or place, within or across disciplines.
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