Two units. One topic. What's different?
Before any framework or theory: you'll see two versions of the same unit, side by side. Your job is to work out what separates them — you build the criteria. Then you'll transform a unit of your own.
Spot the differences
Same topic, two designs. List every difference you notice — big or small.
Unit 1: “The Rainforest”
Students will…
- Name the four layers of the rainforest
- List animals and plants found in each layer
- Locate the world's rainforests on a map
- Make a rainforest diorama
Key questions
- What are the layers of the rainforest?
- Which animals live in the canopy?
Assessment
- Quiz on rainforest facts
- Diorama with labels
Unit 2: “How do living things depend on each other?” (through the rainforest)
Students will understand that…
- Organisms depend on one another and their environment to meet their needs
- A change to one part of a system changes other parts
Key questions
- What lives in each rainforest layer? (factual)
- How do organisms depend on each other? (conceptual)
- Should people be allowed to use rainforest land? (debatable)
Learning sequence
- Students examine cases and data first, find patterns, and build the big idea themselves
Assessment
- Transfer task: investigate an unfamiliar ecosystem and predict what happens when one species disappears
Your noticings
Choose a starter unit
Pick the one closest to your subject and grade level. Each begins as a traditional topic — your job is to rebuild it around concepts and inquiry.
1 · Choose up to 2 macro concepts (broad, transfer across disciplines)
2 · Choose 2–3 micro concepts (discipline-specific depth)
💡 Strong units pair breadth with depth: macro concepts give transfer, micro concepts give disciplinary rigor.
Write your generalization
Connect two or more of your concepts into one transferable statement of understanding.
Students understand that…
💡 Lift the level: take your statement and ask “How?” or “Why?” — the answer is usually a deeper, more powerful generalization.
Stuck? See a sample for this unit
Choose 3 learning experiences
Pick the three tasks you believe will best lead students to your generalization. Choose on instinct — then preview what happens.