Indian art and architecture is covered from the baths of Mohenjo-daro to the Great Stupa in Sanchi. This presentation shows Indian art as it progressed throughout time but focuses heavily on Buddhist art and architecture that originated...

Students discuss symbolism in art, examine various images of compassion in Buddhist tradition, analyzing components of the concept, and then produce their own images of compassion through art.

Have your class explore Buddhist Jataka Tales to compare and contrast them to European fables. After defining fables, Jataka tales, and the elements of each, learners identify themes and patterns for both types of narratives and the...

Detailing the characteristics of Medieval art and architecture, including Romanesque and Gothic architecture, these slides provide incredible views of some of the most famous buildings, cathedrals and castles in the world. A few slides...

The Eleven-Headed Bodhisattva is a piece that represents characteristics, meanings, and ideals common to those who practice Buddhism in Japan. Learners fully analyze this piece, then take a virtual trip to examine the Buddhist...

The Chinese, Dish with the Eight Buddhist Emblems contains symbols and visual references for learners to explore. They search for Buddhist symbolism on the dish and then they use their observation skills to locate and explore...

Kamishibai (paper drama), is a Japanese form of storytelling that uses emakimono (paper picture scrolls), to relay a moral lesson. As part of a series of resources that examine Japanese art and artists, learners watch a video...

Learners gain an introduction to Buddhist teachings about moral behavior by exploring a depiction of the Buddha and by writing a speech inspired by their interpretation of the Noble Eightfold Path.

High schoolers discover the true meaning of karma and the related concept of samsara by reading the Jataka Tales. Learners work in groups to become familiar with one form of Buddhist storytelling and examine how Jataka Tales are used as...

Due to vandalism, war, and urban decay, many of the world's great monuments have fallen to ruin. Here is an interesting instructional activity that increases understanding of the dichotomy between what are intended as lasting tributes,...

Students make connections between nonviolent ideals and art. In this visual arts lesson, students discuss the successes of the American Civil Rights Movement and discuss Gandhi's influence on the movement. Students then examine images of...

Students examine the art of Anime and note its characteristics. Using scenes, they identify the plots, characters and themes trying to be portrayed. In groups, they compare and contrast the animation in America to that of Anime and...

In ancient times, people along trade routes exchanged ideas in addition to goods. Scholars view eight primary sources, such as artwork, to understand how India influenced southern Asia. Academics participate in a short group discussion...

Students study about different types of religious art; they then select representative works from different faiths to create their own exhibit. They research a specific religious art tradition and create an exhibit of works of art from...

Students investigate art elements such as color schemes and proportion by creating their own personal Mandala Circle on paper or canvas. This also allows students to investigate mathematical concepts such as tesselations or social...

Sixth graders explore philosophy by researching the Dalai Lama. For this Tibetan history lesson, 6th graders discuss the influence of Buddhism on the Dalai Lama and the unique view on life a Buddhist must have. Students read a Tibetan...

In this Kung Fu instructional activity, students learn about the Chinese martial art called Kung Fu. They then answer the 10 questions in the packet. The answers are on the last page.

In this Buddhism learning exercise, students respond to 5 fill in the blank, 7 outlining, 10 short answer, 2 mapping, 5 multiple choice, 10 true or false, and 13 matching questions regarding the history of Buddhism and Buddhist beliefs.

What is the difference between religion and religious studies? Readers find out after reading an online handout. It outlines common assignments in religious studies classes, such as critically evaluating religious texts and writing...

Art, power, and commerce are often the hallmarks of a mighty empire - and the ancient world of India is no exception. The presentation explores the Maurya, Asoka, and Gupta Empires, detailing the territorial and artistic changes that...

Students create their own Nio sculptures to guard the entrance to the classroom by using knowledge of the Kei school in Japan, primary source documents, and basic art supplies.

Students explore the work of Xu Bing. In this visual arts lesson, students examine the art piece "Monkeys Grasp for the Moon" and compare it to the Buddhist folktale on which it is based. Students create animated flip books based on the...

Students study American transcendentalism through readings of Emerson and Thoreau. They make cognitive connections to the similarities to Buddhism in these writings. The connection of the literary movement is explained in the art of the...

Students create Sumi-e paintings and explore the various materials, techniques, and processes associated with those paintings in an effort to better understand Japanese art and culture.