How to read and use conceptual flow diagrams
The Ocean Literacy Scope and Sequence for Grades K-12 is comprised of 28 conceptual flow diagrams (or flows). There is one flow for each principle for each grade band (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12). Each flow represents one possible way of breaking down and organizing the major concepts and supporting ideas for each principle for a grade band. They can be used as a suggested instructional sequence and/or organizer of ideas.
Using the flow for Principle 1 Grades 3-5 as an example, this figure shows the labels for the major components of each flow:
- “Title” identifies the principle and grade band;
- three branches of topics are color-coded; and
- five levels of ideas are organized in rows.
Read the flow from top to bottom and left to right, from Branch A (A1-A5) to Branch B (B1-B10) to Branch C (C1-C5). Each branch is a different color. Some of the concepts cross-reference other concepts in other principles within that same grade band. These cross-references are connections between the concepts.
The branch is identified by topic for easy reference.
The branch begins with a major concept, then nested below are two levels of ideas that support the bigger idea. Supporting ideas can be examples, but not always.
