The basic idea behind Themes and Integration is that student's learn a variety of disciplines through the exploration of a central idea. This central idea is broad and relevant throughout time. Examples of these central ideas, or themes, are Family, Identity, Relationships, and so on. Under the umbrella of a chosen theme are guiding questions that students explore through a series of lessons that link to the overriding theme.

See the website for Understanding by Design for information on Themes and Integration. Check back later for a deeper analysis of this approach on curriculum.