Curated OER
The Noble Eightfold Path
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.
Curated OER
The Life of Buddha, relating his life to our own in modern times
Middle schoolers do a variety of activities to become familiar with Buddha's life and relate it to their own.
Curated OER
The Art of Nonviolence: Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, and Concepts of Nonviolence in Indian Art
Students make connections between nonviolent ideals and art. For 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...
Curated OER
East Meets West: The Art of Simplicity
Fifth graders examine the influences of Japan on American life through this three instructional activity unit. Feudal Japan with its traditional arts and culture is contrasted with current developments of the country.
Curated OER
Buddhist Art - Lost In The Landscape
Students 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.
Curated OER
Introduction to the Monomyth, an Initiation Theme
Students analyze the archetypal hero called the monomyth. In this archetypes instructional activity, students discuss the topic and view a chart of hero figures with related details. Students analyze the monomyth process diagram, read...
Curated OER
Morality "Tails" East and West: European Fables and Buddhist Jataka Tales
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...
Curated OER
Haven't I Seen You Somewhere Before?
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...
Curated OER
What Would Moses, Jesus, Mohammed, Budha and Krishna Say?
Students compare and contrast five different religions and the views that their leaders have in regard to civic responsibility and philanthropy. They choose one of the five leaders and write a letter outlining their perception of that...
Curated OER
Studies of the Eastern Worlds: Population Graphing
Seventh graders participate in several learning/research stations in which they view artwork from various countries of the Eastern world and collect information on the populations of the Eastern countries. They then use this information...
Curated OER
The Medium And The Message
Students compare and contrast Buddhist sculpture in varying materials through in-class discussions and small cooperative learning groups. This lesson includes possible lesson extensions.