This study applied thematic approaches to the study of introductory physics. Symmetry principles and conservation laws were chosen to serve as themes for the development of a unit on elementary particles used by students who were enrolled in a physics sequence for nonscience majors. The unit was independently evaluated by teachers of general education students, specialists in elementary particles, physicists who are involved in curricular design, and science educators. The results indicate that thematic approaches are appropriate for nonscience majors, and that symmetry principles and conservation laws are important themes. Also, most nonscience majors enrolled in a physics course can deal successfully with conceptual development based on themes and thematic approaches. (Author/CP)