New York State Education Department
Global History and Geography Examination: August 2010
Three major faith traditions have shaped world history: Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. Using secondary sources from textbooks, as well as primary source documents, such as Aztec legends, pupils explore the interplay of these...
Curated OER
When a Country Loses Its Songs
Students explore music as a cultural tradition. In this global studies lesson, students consider the implications of the loss of childhood songs to a cultural group. Students determine the type of musical "treasures" that are part of...
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The Origins of Islamic Law
Ninth graders examine Islamic Law. In this Law lesson, 9th graders read documents on the origins of Islamic Law. Students create answers to questions based on Islamic Law.
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The Feast of Ramadan
Learners explore origins of Islamic religion, the faith of Muslims, and examine traditions of the feast of Ramadan.
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Benne Cakes and Other Holiday Recipes
Benne Cakes, a West African treat packed with sesame seeds for luck, are a featured part of the celebration of Kwanzaa. Young chefs try their hand at crafting these goodies that are sure to enrich your holiday feast.
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Discovering New Perspectives on Life
Students examine the experiences of a Peace Corps volunteer. In this global studies lesson plan, students listen to the story of a volunteer about the lessons he learned during his time in Morocco. Students discuss how they would have...
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What Would Moses, Jesus, Krishna Say?
Ninth graders explore different faith traditions. In this US History instructional activity, 9th graders compare and contrast different religions. Students evaluate the relevancy of the civic behavior as described by religious leaders.
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The Origins of Islamic Law: Sharia, Islam, Muslims
Students examine the development and history of Islamic Law (Sharia). They also begin to make comparisons to Western and Judaic Law traditions.
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Muslim Devotion & Innovation
Students examine the Hajj preformed by the Muslims. They discover the five pillars of Islam and the Koran. They examine the major differences between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
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Islam in America
Students examine the cultural and religious diversity within the United States. Using the differences, they discover they are a source of growth and change as well as conflict. They identify the changes that occur when new immigrants...
First Ladies
The Women of Afghanistan
Students examine traditional role of women in Afghanistan, their experiences under rule of Taliban, and their struggle to provide better lives for themselves, their families, and their country in years since 2001. Students then organize...
Curated OER
Music of the Middle East
Explore the cultural and religious influences that have shaped music in the Middle East. Classical and traditional music styles are covered in terms of instrumentation and music theory. This slide show would be appropriate for a music...
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Arabic Folk and Popular Music: Egypt, Lebanon, and Spain
How many of us have actually listened to Arabic folk or pop music? Learn about the many facets of folk music common to Lebanon, Spain, and Egypt with this well-organized presentation. Islamic cultural influences are traced throughout...
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Religion and the First Amendment
Students examine the tenets of the First Amendment and how it applies to Islam. They observe a video about Islamic prayer and focus on rights, responsibility, and respect in relation to the religion. Students discuss the difference...
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A Religious Get-Together
Young scholars investigate Islam Awareness Week. In this Muslim traditions lesson plan, students visit the listed Web sites to research Muslim traditions, religious hate crimes, and British Muslims.
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Islamic Art; Exploring the Visual Arts of the Middle East
Students create a monogram, based of the idea of a Turkish Tughra. They examine the connection between writing for communication and writing as an art form. They explore the vocabulary related to the use of art media in the classroom.
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United We Stand
Students study Muslim wedding celebrations. They explore Muslim culture and wedding celebrations around the world. Students discuss vows, symbols, and traditions. They create wedding costumes and reenact part of a wedding ceremony.
Student Handouts
What Year Is It?
This page includes a space to write in the date, but what does the date even mean? And where does it come from? Inform your class about the various calendars and how the Western calendar came into widespread use with an informational...
Brain Scape
Learn About Religions
Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Taoism. The major religions of the world are the focus of a resource that uses flashcard decks to engage users in a study of the principles and practices of these belief systems.
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Salat: Prayer in Muslim Life
Students explore the Islamic faith and the definition of salat. In this prayer lesson students differentiate between formal and personal Muslim prayer and reflect on the importance of rituals and traditions.
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The Rise of Islamist Terrorist Groups
Young scholars analyze the rise of Islamist terrorism. In this terrorism lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the growth of Al Quaeda and other terror groups. Young scholars respond to discussion...
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The Roadmap to the Jewish Golden Age of Spain
Learners discover, through analysis of media and of primary source historical documents, how Jews achieved high levels of assimilation and acceptance under Islamic rule during the Golden Age of Spain, from the tenth to the twelfth century.
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Make a Multicultural Calendar
Students research traditions of different cultures and create a multicultural calendar, including important dates in the traditions of their assigned culture.
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Salat: Prayer in Muslim Life
Students examine the meaning of prayer and provide their own definitions. They watch a video about Muslim prayer, discuss a fact sheet about it, and break into discussion groups. Students write about their own traditions and customs...