University of Chicago
What IS the Difference Between Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims?
The distinction between Shiite and Sunni Muslims is an often misunderstood concept, yet very important for its implications in global affairs and for a more comprehensive understanding of the religion of Islam.
Curated OER
Getting the Meaning in Pop Music
Critical thinkers compare the impact of visual versus aural perception in how they comprehend artistic intent. They consider the meaning of a set of pop lyrics first by reading them, then by listening to them orally, and finally viewing...
Curated OER
Hinduism- Caste System Simulation
Students examine the Hindu caste system. In this religious studies lesson, students participate in a classroom simulation where they represent the castes of Hinduism and take part in a rebirth ceremony.
Teaching Tolerance
Understanding Other Religious Beliefs
Learn what it means to respect others in an engaging instructional activity on religious beliefs. An inclusive resource focuses on understanding other religious beliefs, the right to freedom of religion, and the U.S. history of religious...
Annenberg Foundation
Controversial Issues in Practice
Wow! This resource provides three related lessons on the First Amendment that challenge US government students to explore their personal opinion on the separation of church and state. Each lesson can be adjusted in length, but is...
Curated OER
Freedom of Religion
Students use this lesson to focus on the freedom of religion. In groups, they discuss how the separation of church and state applies to the public schools across the country. They compare and contrast the establishment and free exercise...
Curated OER
Social Studies: Church and State
Discuss the separation of church and state as it relates to government entities. This is a great way to launch a discussion on the relationship between these groups. Learners analyze this relationship in governments throughout the world,...
Curated OER
Faith in Wartime
Young scholars explore World War II and the people of that era. Numerous activities allow students to examine conscientious objectors; why it was difficult for people to maintain their religious faith while experiencing the horrors of...
Curated OER
Who Invented Religion?
Students explore religious controversies with the release of the film "The Passion of the Christ." In this current events lesson, students discuss religious beliefs and the place for violence in religious and historical films.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Kennewick Man: Science and Sacred Rights
"Have respect for the dead!" Scholars investigate how science and religion often clash. As they look into the laws of science and the laws of religion, the legal ramifications at the federal level of both play into an argument they...
State Bar of Texas
Wisconsin v. Yoder
How far does freedom of religion truly go? The 1972 Supreme Court case Wisconsin v. Yoder introduces the concept of the free exercise clause of the First Amendment. Individuals examine the case with a short video and open discussion. To...
Curated OER
How Have World Religions Shaped Who I Am Today?
High schoolers discuss the different religions that make up the world today. They complete an interest inventory about their belief systems and the influence it has had on their lives. In groups of two, then four, then eight they...
Curated OER
Studies of Religion
In this social studies worksheet, learners find the meanings of the vocabulary terms by matching them with the definitions found on the right side.
Curated OER
How have world religions shaped who I am today?
Students analyze changing and competing interpretations of issues, events, and developments throughout world history. They analyze the roles and contributions of individuals and groups in cultural and religious practices and activities.
Education World
Every Day Edit - William Penn
Who was William Penn? Learn about him while correcting grammatical mistakes in a short paragraph. There are errors in capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Judicial Branch of California
Protecting our Freedoms: The Bill of Rights
Take to the stage! Integrate both drama and civic skills by asking pupils to create and perform skills that demonstrate the importance of the amendments in the Bill of Rights. After reviewing the Preamble to the Constitution, learners...
Missouri Department of Elementary
A Stranger Among Us
The final lesson plan in the R.E.S.PE.C.T series asks eighth graders to expand their vision beyond the walls of the classroom and to consider how they can promote acceptance and respect of others within in the global community. "A...
College Board
2002 AP® Human Geography Free-Response Questions
Nations and states may sound like similar ideas, but these concepts have led to endless wars and conflicts. Learners explore the terms using authentic College Board materials. An additional test item delves into the influence of...
Curated OER
Satire and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Does Mark Twain’s satire become sarcasm and does he cross the line of propriety in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn? As an introduction of satire, class members view an excerpt from The Daily Show and discuss Stewart's use of this...
Curated OER
Keep It Academic
Young scholars study various methods to learn about religion in the classroom. In this religion study lesson, students read and visit links to learn about various ways of teaching religion in schools. Young scholars learn the model world...
Curated OER
Global Faith
Students review their prior knowledge of religious symbols and their meanings. After reading an article, they discover the comeback of the Muslim faith in Spain. In groups, they research and compare the evolutions of two religions in a...
Curated OER
Targeting Faith When It Counts
Students explore the relationship between politics and religion. In this religion and ethics lesson, students examine hyperlinks created by their instructor from the suggested sites list. Students research the websites for information...
Curated OER
In My Other Life
Students explore various cultural identities. They conduct Internet research, develop a questionnaire that profiles information from their selected culture, and write a letter to a pen pal in the U.S. explaining what life in their...