A curriculum is the planned set of knowledge, skills, activities, and learning goals that students are expected to complete. It can apply to one class, one grade level, a whole school subject, or an entire degree program.
What a curriculum includes
A curriculum may include topics, learning standards, readings, projects, assessments, lab work, practice activities, and expected outcomes. It tells teachers and learners where the course is going and why each part belongs there.
How it differs from a lesson plan
A lesson plan handles one lesson or class session. A curriculum covers the bigger structure that many lessons fit into.
A strong curriculum is organized enough to give direction, but flexible enough to support different learners and teaching styles.