Crosscutting concepts like patterns and models are fundamental parts in both the American framework
of science education (from the AAAS) and our proposals for a new science education framework in
Flanders. These concepts deepen the insight of both students and teachers. They help students to ask
relevant questions during an inquiry and they give an understanding in how scientists built up their
scientific theories. We illustrate the didactical possibilities of crosscutting concepts within the
field of electromagnetism.