Rationale/ Purpose (so what?)

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Title

: Learning World Religions

Lesson Author

: Jeff Pedersen

Key Words

: World History, World Geography, World Religions

Grade Level

: 10

th

Grade, World History

Time Allotted

: 45 minutes

Rationale/ Purpose (so what?)

Religious literacy is one of the fundamental ideas missing from most curriculums. Given that we live in diverse nation, as well as a religious pluralistic world, and that these faiths directly influence the political, economic and social decisions people around the globe make, at least being familiar with the “facts” about the different faiths can help foster understanding and better place our current global conflicts into perspective.

Key Concept(s)

include definition:

 World Religions: Five largest religious traditions practiced around globe today.

 Religions: basic beliefs and rituals people hold sacred and influence how they think, act, and interact with the world and their respective concepts of the divine.

 Eastern or Oriental religions: Those that grew out of traditions in Asia (India, China and Japan) and include Hinduism and Buddhism.

 Abrahamic religions: religions that can be traced back to Abraham; these include Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

 Sacred writings is a way to talk about holy Scriptures (Torah, Qur’an) as well as any documents a religion may find canonical and revelatory (sutras, Gita).

Background/Context:

This would be the first in a unit on World Religions, introducing some of the basic concepts, ideas and scriptures about the various world religions (see SOL WHII.15 a and b). This lesson would be followed by lessons provided greater depth of insight and knowledge about the five world religions (one 45 minute lesson per world religion). The unit would conclude with a lesson on “religious literacy.” Answering the basic question, why is it important for students to know these religions (see previous box). This will be students introduction to the use of Prezi.

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NCSS Standard/SOL Information

NCSS Theme (s) with indicators

:

Culture. The study of culture examines the socially transmitted beliefs, values, institutions, behaviors, traditions and way of life of a group of people; it also encompasses other cultural attributes and products, such as language, literature, music, arts and artifacts, and foods. Students come to understand that human cultures exhibit both similarities and differences, and they learn to see themselves both as individuals and as members of a particular culture that shares similarities with other cultural groups, but is also distinctive. In a multicultural, democratic society and globally connected world, students need to understand the multiple perspectives that derive from different cultural vantage points.

SOL

:

WHII.15 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the influence of Judaism,

Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism in the contemporary world by a. describing their beliefs, sacred writings, traditions, and customs;

Essential Knowledge

Judaism

• Ten Commandments of moral and religious conduct

• Torah: Written records and beliefs of the Jews

Christianity

• Jesus as Son of God

• New Testament: Life and teachings of Jesus • Establishment of Christian doctrines by early church councils

Islam

• Muhammad, the prophet • Qur’an (Koran)

• Five Pillars of Islam

Buddhism

• Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) • Four Noble Truths

• Eightfold Path to Enlightenment

Hinduism

• Karma: Knowledge that all thoughts and actions result in future consequences

Essential Skills

Identify, analyze, and interpret primary and secondary sources to make generalizations about events and life in world history. (WHII.1a)

Guiding Question(s)

:

Why is it important to know about belief systems other than your own?

The day’s big question: What are the five largest world religions? What are the distinctive

ideas and sacred texts that define each world religion?

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Lesson Objective(s):

Obj.

1

SWBAT identify the five major world religions.

Obj.

2

SWBAT identify key words, concepts, names and places and relate to one of the five major world religions

Assessment Tool(s) to be used-

Assessment 1.

Informal assessment will occur throughout the lesson through group discussion. Students will be asked to “Pass It On” as a way for them to self-monitor other classmates learning as well.

Assessment 2.

Formal assessment will occur when students turn in various handouts (including Wordles and Closure). The Wordle handouts will not be submitted until the end of the unity because they will be using them as notes for their Prezi assignment.

Historical Materials/Source(s):

HM1 - Exodus (NRSV) - http://devotions.net/bible/02exodus.htm HM2 - Mark (NRSV) - http://www.devotions.net/bible/41mark.htm HM3 - Surah 14 - http://noblequran.com/translation/surah14.h tml HM4 - Bhagavad Gita - http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Bhagavad-Gita.html

HM5 - Brahma Net Sutra -

http://www.purifymind.com/BrahmaNetSutra .htm

HM6 –Religious Literacy by Stephen Prothero

Additional Materials/Resources:

AM1 - Prezi (Walk-through)

AM2 -“Just Do It”

AM3 - “Just Do It” Quiz Answers

AM4 - Exodus Wordle

(http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/2548382/

Ex1)

AM5 - Mark Wordle

Ma1)

AM6 - Surah 14 Wordle

Sur1)

AM7 - Gita Wordle

BG1)

AM8 - Brahma Wordle

Su1)

AM9 - Prezi Assignment (to show) ( http://prezi.com/d66gbcsv-gac/edit/#0_499007)

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AM10 - Assignment Handout

AM11 - “It’s a Wrap” Venn Diagram

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Procedure/Process:

1) JUST DO IT! The “Hook”: Religious Knowledge Quiz.

2) Instructional sequence:

Obj # Processing Activity and Procedure Check for Evidence of Understanding

Just do it/Obj.1 & 2

SWBAT identify the five major world religions &

SWBAT identify key words, concepts, names

and places and relate to one of

the five major world religions

Provide students with handout (AM2). Ask students to answer the following quiz. Tell them to answer as many of the questions as possible. Remind them that this quiz will not be graded. Give them no more than five minutes. While they are completing the quiz provide students with the next handout (AM3). Make sure they do not look at this handout until after the five minutes are up.

Informal assessment of learning will occur after the completion of the Just Do It. When students are finished with the quiz, tell them they can check their answers against the other handout provided. Give them 3-5 minutes to compare their answers to those provided. While they are doing this circulate throughout the room, answering questions as they arise. When they have looked over the quiz and answers, start a class

discussion. How did you all do? Where there questions on there you were able to answer easily? Why do you think so? Where there any that were difficult or you were not able to answer? Why? Was there anything you learned from this quiz? If students are not responding pick one student and then ask them to “Pass It On.” Try to get at least three responses to each question. Lastly, before moving on, ask: So based on the quiz, what do you think are the five major world religions?

Transition:

Mention the results of the recent Pew Forum Religious Knowledge survey. Provide students with the website address if they would like to see more information. Talk about the results and how most people surveyed were

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unable to answer even half of the questions correctly. Lightheartedly make a comment about “getting and F.” The survey results suggest there may be a religious knowledge problem in the United States. What we’re going to be looking at the next few days is what some are calling “religious literacy.” What do you think is meant by religious literacy? Again try to get three answers before talking about it. Consult Prothero’s book if need a refresher. So today we’re going to start looking at the various world religions, seeing what key concepts and beliefs arise from their sacred writings.

Obj.2

Provide students with Worldes ( AM4-AM8). Have students work by

themselves for the first 5 minutes. Tell them to look closely at the word clouds. Remind them they can mark up,

underline or highlight the word cloud. Tell them to try to answer the following questions: Which of the five world religions do you think this word cloud represents? And can you provide the name of the text? After five minutes, allow students to work in pairs or groups (preferably no larger than three students but four would be okay). Have them share their results and see if they can help one another out in answering their missing questions. Remind them that there is a place on the handout where they can make notes. Also tell them that they need to keep these handouts because it will help them with later work, and they will need to submit these handouts at the end of the unit.

If haven’t already, remind students to keep some notes, especially as material is covered. Using the Prezi (AM1), walk students through the different Wordles. Project the first word cloud and ask them to identify any key words, names, places, etc…. Ask them to define or identify the

importance of these key words. Then ask them to provide answers to the two questions (Which religion? Which text?). As they provide answers to the question about text, provide students with some specifics about the text itself. Just a little background on when it was written and likely

authorship. May want to pick one group to answer this question. Then have another group answer the next. Before moving on, ask them if they recognized any words that multiple word clouds shared and why that might be. Activity/Transition: (There is no objective or assessment for this particular activity as it sets up assessment for

So we’ve had a brief glimpse at these five world religions and some of their sacred writings. As you might have already figured out our next unit is going to be a closer look at these various religions and their beliefs, customs and traditions. So I want to spend the next ten minutes looking at the final assignment for this unit. Make sure to provide them with handout (AM10). Tell them a little about Prezi itself and show them the Prezi that has been created (AM9). Make sure the Prezi is editable for

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unit not lesson) students. Talk about how this Prezi was loaded with various quotes, images, and even videos. Make sure to mention an Easter Egg and perhaps show them one of the more obvious ones (M Ward video might be good since it’ll setup for the Closure). Introduce the unit assignment: You students are going to take this Prezi and create your own path. Working in small groups you will each be assigned a particular world religion. Based on the information in this Prezi, any notes or research you do outside, you will create a path and tell a story. You’ll be narrating your story using a Screencast. We’ll go into greater detail on that during our next lesson. However, each group will be answering the same questions: What are the religion are you covering? Geographically, where are the followers of this religion? What are their sacred texts? What do they believe? What kinds of customs and traditions do they have? And lastly I want you to answer why it is important to know something about them, as it relates to the contemporary global situation. Tell them there will be screencasts available on how to make a Prezi path and how to screencast. Give students about 5-7 minutes to play around with the Prezi. Circulate throughout the room. Before we leave today we have one more brief activity.

Closure/Obj.2

Provide students with handouts (AM11 and 12). Have them answer the two question prompts on the paper (AM11) and make sure they turn the handout in before they leave class. While they are completing the Closure play the M Ward video (it’s at the end of the Prezi). Point out that if they are interested, the lyrics for the music video are on the other handout (AM12).

Students will turn in this handout at the end of the day, and it shall formally be

assessed. The point of this assessment is to see where students are in their

understanding so far and set the stage for the following days when they will be using Venn Diagrams as Closures.

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Closure:

What NEW facts did you learn? Why is it important?

Modifications/Accommodations for Diverse Learners:

 In general the assignment is designed to be done using computers, which favor these students. However, if there is a problem with motor-function and the like I will have hardcopies of everything available.

 This will include an adaptation for the Prezi assignment. Instead of doing a digital storytelling using Prezi and Screencasting students will be given a handout and a series of notecards which they can fill up with the same type of information and will be encouraged to either create a literal storyboard and videotape themselves walking through the notecards and talking about the information.

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 There will be a clear rubric provided to the students outlining the expectations for the assignment.

 As I also mentioned above, I do not simply expect students to know how to operate Prezi and/or Screencasting so I will be providing a screencast of my own to show them how to use some of these features.

 During the discussion portion with the wordles, I will provide a printout of the questions for the students to think about as well as project them on the Smartboard for them to consider.

 Also during the wordle assignment I will be circulating throughout the room, monitoring student activities, addressing behavioral issues and providing some guidance to

students, as needed.

 Moreover, students will have an opportunity to work with a partner or two.

 There will be a “fun” music video included near the end of the lesson. Lyrics will be made available to students who may have a hearing disability.

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HM1

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HM2

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HM3

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HM4 Bhagavad Gita - http://www.fullbooks.com/The-Bhagavad-Gita.html

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HM5

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HM6

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AM1

PREZI (To be used as a walk-through for entire lesson) –

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AM2 RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE QUIZ

1. Name the four Gospels. List as many as you can.

2. Name a sacred text of Hinduism.

3. What is the name of the holy book of Islam?

4. Where according to the Bible was Jesus born?

5. What are the first five books of the Hebrew Bible or the Christian Old Testament?

6. What is the Golden Rule?

7. Name the Ten Commandments. List as many as you can.

8. Name the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism.

9. The First Amendment says two things about religion, each in its own "clause." What are the two religious clauses of the First Amendment?

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AM3 QUIZ ANSWERS

1. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

2. Can include the Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, Puranas, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Yoga Sutras, Laws of Manu, Kama Sutra

3. Quran 4. Bethlehem

5. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

6. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12). This is most popular but similar sentiments can be found in Hinduism (“Do not to others what ye do not wish done to yourself…. This is the whole Dharma. Heed it well.”), Judaism (What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor; that is the entire Torah; the rest is commentary; go learn it.”). Buddhism (“Hurt not others in ways that you yours would find hurtful.”),

Confucianism (“Do not do to others what you do not want don to yourself.”) and Islam (“No one of your is a believer until you desire for another that which you desire for yourself.”) "Love your neighbor as yourself" is not the Golden Rule.

7. The Protestant, Catholic and Jewish versions of the Ten Commandments differ. Could be any ten of the following 12 commandments, each of which appears in at least one of those three versions:

1. I the Lord am your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, the house of bondage. 2. You shall have no other gods before me.

3. You shall not make yourself a graven image.

4. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. 5. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

6. Honor your father and mother. 7. You shall not kill/murder. 8. You shall not commit adultery. 9. You shall not steal.

10. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 11. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.

12. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods. 8. Four-fold path is:

1. Life is suffering. 2. Suffering has an origin.

3. Suffering can be overcome (nirvana)

4. The path to overcoming suffering is the Noble Eightfold Plan.

9. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

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AM9

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AM10 ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

 Go to Prezi.com and create an account. Make sure you click the link for Students/Teachers License.

 Once you’ve created your account visit the following site: http://goo.gl/gbVN

 It should bring you directly to the Prezi. In the up right hand corner is a button marked “Exit.” Click on that button.

 You should still see the words “Learning World Religions” running in the middle of the screen, but on the right hand side you should see several additional buttons. Click the one that reads “Save a copy.” It is very important you save your own copy!

 Now you should have a new screen with a list of your Prezis. They should be “World Religions” and “Copy of World Religions.” Please rename “Copy of World Religions” to “YOUR LAST NAME World Religions.”

 From here you can select that Prezi and start editing it.

HINTS AT COMPLETING ASSIGNMENT

 Play with the Prezi as is, without changing anything. Zoom in on words and images.

 Make note of the different words. If there are any terms you are unfamiliar with, write them down. Do independent research.

 Take plenty of notes as we go through the unit. Some of the terms you may not now will likely be defined during the course of the unit.

 Decide how you want to cover the various world religions. Do you want to do them one at a time (Judaism then Christianity and so on)? If you do that do you want to do it chronologically, starting from the earliest to the latest? It’s up to you how you do it.

 Start to add some terms, images, etc… to the Prezi. Try NOT to arrange your pathway just yet. Keep most of the text and images large enough for you to read easily.

 Start to create a literal path through the Prezi. You do not have to cover everything in the path. There are certain “Easter eggs” I’ve seeded in the Prezi and you are welcome to do the same. If you do, please make sure that I might be able to find them when I do follow your path. If you want to be graded on it make sure it is obvious.

 You can create it however you want, but there are certain elements that must be included. I want to know the name of the world religions, the key sacred writings for each, their basic beliefs, customs and traditions (please try to include some information about various sects), and the geographical representation of these religions around the world, today.

 Lastly, log into Screentoaster and create an account. Play around with screencasting.

 Review your Prezi making sure the key information is featured in the path.

 Create a screencast of your Prezi, talk about information you included in your Prezi (add any additional information you left out). Try to provide me with a story (relate back to the “how do you want to cover them” question above).

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION PLEASE FEEL FREE TO TALK TO ME. I WILL HAVE SCREENCASTS MADE AVAILABLE TO ANYONE WHO NEEDS MORE INFORMATION

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AM11 CLOSURE

Think about what you learned today. Look at your quiz and the answers. Look at your Wordles and any notes you made.

What was ONE new fact, term, concept or name you learned about HINDUISM?

I didn’t know the Kama Sutra was a sacred text of Hinduism.

What was ONE new fact, term, concept or name you learned about BUDDHISM?

Nirvana. I always just thought that was some music group my parents listened to.

Why do you think it is important to know these pieces of information about Hinduism/Buddhism?

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AM12

“Chinese Translation” by M. Ward I sailed a wild, wild sea climbed up a tall, tall mountain

I met a old, old man beneath a weeping willow tree He said now if you got some questions

go and lay them at my feet but my time here is brief so you'll have to pick just three

And I said

What do you do with the pieces of a broken heart and how can a man like me remain in the light

and if life is really as short as they say then why is the night so long and then the sun went down and he sang for me this song See I once was a young fool like you

afraid to do the things that I knew I had to do So I played an escapade just like you

I played an escapade just like you I sailed a wild, wild sea climbed up a tall, tall mountain

I met an old, old man he sat beneath a sapling tree He said now if you got some questions

go and lay them at my feet but my time here is brief so you'll have to pick just three

And I said

What do you do with the pieces of a broken heart and how can a man like me remain in the light

and if life is really as short as they say then why is the night so long and then the sun went down and he played for me this song