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Helpful Animals and Compassionate Humans in Folklore
Learners define elements of stories from around the world that include helpful animals. They explore animal character motivations and use graphic organizers to compare and contrast animal stories from different cultures.
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Native American Ceremonies
Second graders explore cultural rituals by researching Native American people. In this Native American ceremony lesson, 2nd graders read the story Indian Festivals by Keith Brand and identify the naturalistic attitude of the Native...
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The Nacerima
Students explore different cultures by reading an article on the Naceriman culture and then comparing it with various aspects of the American culture. This allows students to create their own ideas about how different cultures address...
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What Masks Reveal
Students explore the cultural significance of masks by investigating the role they play in ceremonies and on special occasions in societies from widely separated regions of the world.
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Put on a Happy Face!
Students explore using recycled materials. In this ecology/art lesson, students use recycled materials to create a Halloween mask. Students view folk art made of natural and available resources, and discuss possible cultural uses for...
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Looking at Ritual and Ceremony
Students explore Edward Curtis' photos of a Native American ritual and practice documenting their own religious rituals. In this photography analysis lesson, students analyze an Native American ritual in Curtis' photo. Students discuss...
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Rituals and Rites of Passage
Pupils explore the concept of rites of passage and the rituals that society performs to mark certain moments in life. They read books, discuss the cultural implications of certain rites of passage, design a mural of funeral customs and...
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Witchcraft
Tenth graders develop response to witchcraft from a historical and cultural perspective. They evaluate the use of ceremonies and rituals in witchcraft. They develop a character and develop use of genres and styles of drama. They role...
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Project-Based Learning: Diversity
Ethnic and cultural diversity are explored in a service learning lesson, great for upper graders. They participate in four weekly activities that require them to research ethnic and cultural diversity.
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Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Students create Thanksgiving menu and pre-dinner blessing or ritual that is sensitive to five different imaginary Thanksgiving guests from a variety of backgrounds.
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Common Good in Aztec Culture Lesson 2: Aztec Religion
Middle schoolers examine human sacrifice and read about Aztec gods and religious practices. They study Aztec sacrifice while looking at opportunity costs of doing things for the common good.
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The Meaning of Food
Students gain an understanding of the many roles that food plays in people's lives. They explore about different cultures and groups through food. Students use a range of research and presentation skills.
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Soulfully Remembered
Students study about the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead to explore another culture's attitude towards death. They create collages reflecting the interests of and memories about someone who has passed away.
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Know Your Rites
Students examine ceremonies in cultures around the world that celebrate young peoples' entry into adulthood.
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Folktale through African Art
Students study folktales and other stories from West Africa. By hearing and reading these stories they explore many new cultural and religious beliefs, such as spirits inhabiting nature and possessing special powers. Once the students...
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Modern Conditions Placed on Traditions
Students explore the role of traditions in world cultures. They read a New York Times article dealing with recent changes in the traditional clothing worn in England's House of Lords
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Sam Samurai
Students study the history and culture of 17th century Japan by examining samurai. They review the format of haiku poetry and examine renga poetry. They examine Kamishibai, the Japanese storytelling form and apply it five facts they...
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D'Nile Is Where It's At!
Students travel down the Nile River to survey ancient Egypt in this unit of nine lessons. Data about pharaohs, hieroglyphics, growing crops, pyramids, the geography, and the sacred rituals are explored in this unit.
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Claycrete Calaveras - Dia de los Muertos
Learners create skeletons to celebrate the Day of the Dead. In this visual arts instructional activity, students explore the importance of the Day of the Dead celebrations in the Mexican culture. They create skeletons and decorate them...
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Art to Zoo: Memorials: Art for Remembering
Students examine how people from different societies and cultures remember those whom they have lost. In this lesson students analyze memorials from around the world, create their own, and find memorials that they have in their own homes.
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The Language of Love
Students explore the images and idioms related to love in their own culture. They examine new rituals recently created in Japan by reading and discussing "Osaka Journal:Japanese Date Clubs Take the Muss Out of Mating."
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Universal Myths and Symbols: Animal Creatures and Creation
Students examine the role of mythology in their own lives. After reading stories, they discover the various theories on the origins of the universe and compare the symbols used by different cultures. To end the lesson, they research a...
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European Festivals
Young scholars explore the diversity of European festivals. In this cultural diversity lesson plan, students visit selected Web sites to research ancient festivals, the Edinburgh Fringe, and the Glastonbury. Young scholars may organize...
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Happy Birthday to You
Students explore how people celebrate traditional holidays in various cultures. They participate in activities that are used to celebrate birthdays in different cultures. Students analyze the celebrations.