Origin stories aren't just for comic books. Learners explore the Inca origin story and compare it to other familiar creation myths with an installment of the Native American Stories series. An easy-to-use lesson plan includes an...

A mysterious woman. A humble sharing of a meal. A generous gift. The universal value of generosity is threaded throughout a core Choctaw legend on why the tribe began to grow corn. Using part of the Native American Sacred Stories series,...

Where does tradition fit in a divided community with violence on both sides? Scholars learn about the marches in Northern Ireland and the many issues surrounding them. They take on roles in the community and try to convince others of...

What is the difference between religion and religious studies? Readers find out after reading an online handout. It outlines common assignments in religious studies classes, such as critically evaluating religious texts and writing...

The Crusades sounds like a glamorous time period in the Middle Ages full of glory—but was it? Scholars find and review the truth of the Crusades' influence on the world through the resource. The study guides, separated individually by...

History is full of great empires rising to power—and falling into dust. But what does religion and a society's belief system have to do with a civilization's fate? A thorough explanation of the impact of world religions on their...

Bringing to light our own tendencies to stereotype is a key step toward becoming open-minded and informed members of a world community. Use this rich resource to discuss the harmful effects of stereotyping, as well as to consider the...

Through guided discussions and collaborative activities, your class members will not only have the opportunity to learn more about the rights of women in Iraq, but they will also consider common misconceptions of Islam and examine the...

How did Islam become the religious and organizing principle for one of the largest empires in the world? Invite learners to discover the rich history and evolution of the religion, as well as its major tenets in the Five Pillars of Islam.

Religious equality starts, or attempts to start, with the Roman Empire's division into two empires instead of four. With this new political agreement, Constantine fights for people to be able to believe in whatever higher power they...

Part one of six, this video plays more like a movie. It is gripping, exciting, and captivates its audience. Learn about the battles between Constantine and Maxentius for control over the Roman Empire. Also learn about the rise and fall...

A holy war ensues after the senate attempts to murder Constantine. Then, after neither side secures victory, a seven year-long stretch of peace follows. Still furious and unwilling to accept this change in religious intent, Licentious...

Tired, and nearly broken, Licinius barely makes it home from the war. Although Constantine and his army succeed, Licinius is able to retire with his family to Greece, leaving Constantine as the sole emperor. Learn what happens to...

What drives Constantine towards Christianity? How does the Roman senate respond? How do the Roman people respond? Constantine chooses to take money allocated for pagan temples and use it for Christian temples. How does this affect Roman...

Choosing to go into battle with the Christian symbol painted on their shields is extremely surprising to Constantine's army. Does it help them conquer Mexentius and his army at the Tigris River? Does it change the viewpoint that so many...

Discover the kabuki form of Japanese classical theater performance and its reflection of the historical evolution of Japanese government and culture. As the first dramatic performance form catering to the common people, kabuki is shaped...

Practice responding to controversial information with the New York Times lesson provided here. Middle schoolers watch a video interview with the director of The Lost Tomb of Jesus. After reading a companion article, they identify the...

Introduce the concept of myths to your class. Using the link to "Myths Around the World," read a story aloud and have learners list characteristics of a myth. Readers then choose their own myths from the site and work in groups to answer...

Secondary schoolers investigate the debate surrounding the current sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church with this New York Times lesson plan. Through discussions and written reflection, they explore their own thoughts and opinions...

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...

Fire and light play an almost universal role in world religions, and the predecessors for the Aztecs were no exception. Using an animation, the enlightening video recreates the Teotichuacan Fire Ceremony with rich details and features...

Help learners connect with the idea of being centered as they explore the Hopi origin story. The Hopi people believe their Creator called them up out of the earth and told them to journey until they found a center space they could call...

How are so many medieval buildings still standing today? And, how did ancient builders learn such skills? Discover the amazing feats of medieval engineers with part 11 in a 15-installment History of Science series. The narrator describes...