Significant concepts are those that lie at the heart of
content. They are the foundation for relationships
and intersections with other significant ideas. Our
choices depend, to some degree, on the way we see
the world. Yet clearly some concepts are more
significant than others. We must find and teach the
concepts that form the rigor of the content, those
that are necessary to understand the structure, those
the experts agree are vital to real understanding, that
all students must master.

Such concepts are the foundational ideas that
encompass the content of a lesson. If the main con-
cept is well chosen, it will help learners realize how
the ideas and notions actually function in their lives.
Effective concepts are essence pieces, they form
bridges, they establish relationships among events,
objects, and processes, and, most importantly, they
often have immediate relevance for learners.
The difference between a significant concept and a
topic is crucial. It is important to understand the
difference.

Concept–A significant idea that connects to the
main body of content and to the lives of learners.
Topic–A smaller, more discrete section of content
that details the elements underlying the concept.
The choices about which ideas are the most
important and which form the topical details are
yours to make. These choices are based on your
own understanding of your content and your
knowledge of your students with the assistance of
your curriculum, your standards, and your text.

As you brainstorm the content you want to cover, you will begin to see
patterns inherent in the material that will lead you to the important
ideas, the essence pieces that will tie all the content material together.