Crosscutting concepts are ideas that connect different areas of science and help us understand complex systems. They provide a framework for analyzing patterns, relationships, and processes across various scientific disciplines, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. These concepts encourage students to think critically and make connections between what they learn in different subjects. Examples of crosscutting concepts include cause and effect, patterns, and systems and system models. By using these concepts, learners can better grasp how different scientific principles interact and influence one another, leading to a more integrated understanding of the natural world.