Comparing World Religions Lesson Plans

Lesson Objectives

Student will compare and contrast two major world religions and demonstrate understanding of these through written and artistic expression.

Standards

Common core:
- RH.6-8.2. Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
- RH.6-8.8. Distinguish among fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text.
- W.7.2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
- SL.7.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
MCREL:
- WH.S.9. Understand how major religious and large-scale empires arose in the Mediterranean Basin, China, and India from 500 BCE to 300 CE
- WH.S.44. Understands the search for community, stability, and peace in an interdependent world
- WH.S.44.5 Understands the role of religion in shaping modern governments

—Lesson Submitted by Hildi Nicksic, Teacher, Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Grade

You Will Need:

Teacher Materials: pencil, paper, Student Printable: World Religions Student Printable.
Preparation instructions:
- Gather together research materials on world religions and bookmark websites for your students to use.
  - Use additional resources below
- Make copies of the Student Printable: World Religions Student Printable.
Student Materials:
- Student Printable: World Religions Student Printable, Research materials, pencil.

What to Do

Begin with an overview class discussion.
- Ask your students:
  - Is it important to learn objectively about other cultures and beliefs?
  - Why?
Pass out World Religions Student Printable: World Religions Student Printable.
- Talk about what it means to compare and contrast.
  - compare = find similarities
  - contrast = to find differences
- Ask your students:
  - What needs to be done before a compare and contrast can be made?
    - What is needed before they can compare and contrast?
    - The answer?
      - Research!
  - Talk to your students about the sites and books that they will use to gather information about world religions.
    - Website: World Religions Database
    - Website: BBC Religions
    - Website: United Religions Initiative Kids
    - Website: Religion Facts
Review the Student Printable: World Religions Student Printable with your class.
- Read aloud the reflection questions so students understand their end goal.
Provide work time for students.
- Monitor for understanding and progress.

Wrapping Up

Have students present their research in comparisons and contrasts.
- Allow students to take turns gathering the information that present onto to a larger class chart on the board or on an interactive whiteboard.
Revisit initial question:
- Is it important to learn objectively about other cultures and beliefs and why?

Optional Extension:

Have students make a Venn Diagram (from the Printable: Venn Diagram) of two world religions.
Or have students create a poster or glog (blog: glogster.com) about one of the religions they are studying.
Their projects could include symbols, maps, images and explanatory text.

Additional Resources

Website: World Religions Database
- The World Religion Database (WRD) contains detailed statistics on religious affiliation for every country of the world. It provides source material, including censuses and surveys.
Website: BBC Religions
- A clear, concise guide to world religions including information on beliefs, history, holidays, and rites and rituals.
Website: United Religions Initiative Kids
- This site has easy-to-understand information about world religions for students, as well as lesson plans for teachers.
Website: Religion Facts
- This site includes a visual guide to more than 65 religious symbols and an at-a-glance comparison of 40+ world faiths.

Voting Next Steps and Tips

Comparing World Religions