High schoolers explore new objectives for art and examine how Chinese painting reflects Buddhist principles. This lesson includes a vocabulary list and possible lesson extensions for various student levels.

Students investigate the Pure Land sect of Buddhism in an attempt to better understand how Buddhism has adapted itself to fit into the constantly changing religious, cultural, political, and economic climates of China and Japan.

Young scholars discuss the importance of guardian figures in Japanese Buddhist practices using prior knowledge and visual cues gathered from examples of Japanese art. This instructional activity can be extended to include a creative...

Young scholars work collaboratively to analyze the various religious beliefs of Zen Buddhists. Emphasis is placed upon class discussion and the ideal of a Utopian environment or society.

Students examine the principles of Haiku as they relate to idealss found in Zen Buddhism in this High School lesson plan. The lesson plan concludes with the creation of individual haikus by each student.

Students study and identify the empire of Songhai through research and describe Timbuktu's role in its economy. They investigate how Timbuktu became an important spiritual and intellectual center of Islam. Students describe the Islamic...

Second graders define the term culture and are exposed to a variety of cultures from around the world. They read books, play Native American games, develop a class book that examines their own culture and, after examining currencies from...

Students explore the geographical, socio-economic, political, and religious background of Arabia before Islam began. They discuss why the rich merchants of Mecca opposed and oppressed Muhammed. Students discuss the influence of geography...

Students explore two major feasts of Islam. They discuss the day of Idul-al-fitr. Students discuss the importance of the festivals to Muslims. They discuss the ways in which Muslims celebrate on these occasions. Students discuss what...

Learners conduct an investigation into the life cycle observing the effects of death upon loved ones. They conduct research about the Jewish traditions surrounding the issue of death and then write reflectively about the culture and...

Students compare Ray Frank's biography and sermon to the importance of belief. They work in small groups to discuss their beliefs about Judaism and write letters describing their beliefs and incidents that have changed their beliefs. ...

Students are introduced to two basic Jewish religious terms. As a class, they are read background on the role of Jewish women's societies. In groups, they are given texts of various speeches made by women and answer discussion...

Pupils examine the beginnings of the Jewish Community in America. Using the internet, they examine the role of Jewish organizations and resources that are available to them. They compare and contrast the view of the community they...

Students travel in groups to various stations to discover the history of the Jewish community. At each station, they read primary source documents about the history of their community and research their own family history. They mix...

Students explore a Biblical world view of humanistic history. They compare and contrast Biblical and evolutionary assumptions. Students discuss the difference between a Christian world view and a secular world view.

Learners explore how religious texts are often used to establish cultural norms and rules of behavior. Through research and discussion, students explain how religious texts can be open to interpretation. Learners can apply their research...

In this Christmas instructional activity, students complete 4 short answer questions regarding the traditions of the Christmas holiday. Students are asked to reveal their personal interest in the holiday.

Students create a storybook about Texas missions including the history of why they were built. They research and create pictures depicting how and why the missions were built. They write and illustrate the primary groups of people found...

A lot happened to European economics, policy, and social systems after WWII. This 24 page social studies packet provides images, reading passages, comprehension questions, and critical thinking questions regarding all things Europe from...

Sixth graders interview Veterans or role play to answer who, what, where, when questions. For this Veteran's Day questioning activity, 6th graders learn about the events in the military service of veterans. Students may simulate...

One activity, three projects. Learners explore Eastern Europe and mark Eastern European countries on a map. They then collect and record census data on thirteen different countries, and write a 3-5 page expository essay on one of the...

Good enough for a college class, this resources discusses multiple aspects pertaining to the issues with globalization and the differences between pop and folk culture. It defines major terminology, provides concrete examples, and...

Different varieties of Christmas trees provide an interesting way to combine social studies, science, math, and technology. Class members not only research the history of the Christmas tree holiday tradition, they compare and...

If your language arts learners have a hard time determining the universal theme of a written work, use a straightforward learning exercise to help them find it. After reviewing a list of common themes, kids note the title, character,...