What are the Elements of Depth & Complexity?

The original Elements of Depth & Complexity, and their associated Icons, were developed by Dr. Kaplan and Gould in the 90s. The concepts and icons that they researched are free to use. You can find the icons for download on the JTaylor website.

The Elements are built off of the idea that learning can be extended for the G/T population through question prompts that add Depth and Complexity to the topic at hand.

Click on an Icon below for a description of how to use each Element of Depth & Complexity

Depth & Complexity Posters, K-12

These posters are free to use. They display all of the original Icons. The goal is to familiarize students with them so that they can begin to create extensions for themselves. Each set of posters includes its own set of prompts or questions to guide quality questioning strategies for G/T learners. These prompts are great for use in PBLs, as alternatives to assignments, and as extensions for topics that a student has already mastered. Remember, the Elements of Depth & Complexity are not meant to be extra on top of a worksheet or on top of assignments that everyone in the class is doing. They aren't a punishment for being gifted or for being an early finisher. Proper prompts will require time, and can be used in place of tedious rote work. They can also help students shape their own learning by choice in which Element they would like to dive into. It's a win all around!