Curated OER
Mandalas
Pupils explore meditation. For this relaxation and religious studies lesson, students identify reasons for meditation and practice relaxation. Pupils color a mandala, a richly colored design used as a focal point during Buddhist meditation.
Curated OER
Fall and Winter Religious Celebrations
Students discover the unique beliefs and celebrations of the five major religions in the world. In groups, they discuss the terms associated with each religion and are read books about their celebrations. They create their own dharma...
Curated OER
Word Play
Students explore the work of Xu Bing. In this visual arts lesson, students examine the art piece "Monkeys Grasp for the Moon" and compare it to the Buddhist folktale on which it is based. Students create animated flip books based on the...
Curated OER
Japanese Haiku and the American Experience
Twelfth graders research the history to Haiku Poetry. They read classical haiku to comprehend their special sensibility and form. Students encounter the Buddhist philosophical background of this poetry and its roots. They write original...
Curated OER
Buddhism - Buddha Day, Make your own Origami Crane - Part 1
In this Origami crane worksheet, students create a crane to recognize Buddha Day. The visual art helps students illustrate their knowledge of the Buddhist religion.
Curated OER
Buddhism: Match the Cards
In this Buddhism belief worksheet, students cut out the symbol cards, mix them up, and use them to study important aspects of Buddhist religious beliefs.
Curated OER
Buddhism-Nirvana Day: The Eightfold Path
In this Eightfold Path worksheet, students consider Buddhist belief principles by completing the graphic organizer with practical examples of how the Path may be followed.
Curated OER
The Teachings of His Holiness: The Dalai Lama - Day 1 of 6
Sixth graders explore philosophy by analyzing the teachings of the Dalai Lama. In this Buddhist history instructional activity, 6th graders analyze a quote from the Dalai Lama and discuss their opinions on his philosophical teachings....
Curated OER
Religious Intolerance in Afchanistan
Students, as a group, examine and discuss the destruction and planned demolition of Buddhist artifacts in Afghanistan by the Islamic Taliban government. They further research the issue and then hold a simulated summit with Buddhists,...
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Zen Buddhism and Modern Utopia
Students work collaboratively to analyze the various religious beliefs of Zen Buddhists. Emphasis is placed upon class discussion and the ideal of a Utopian environment or society.
Curated OER
The Nio
Pupils discuss the importance of guardian figures in Japanese Buddhist practices using prior knowledge and visual cues gathered from examples of Japanese art. This lesson can be extended to include a creative project.
Curated OER
Encounter with a Skull (Tae dokuro, 1890)
Students read and analyze a short story by Koda Rohan. They conduct research, read and discuss a biography of the author, identify examples of Japanese and Buddhist symbolism in the story, and write an original story.
Curated OER
The Medium And The Message
Learners compare and contrast Buddhist sculpture in varying materials through in-class discussions and small cooperative learning groups. This instructional activity includes possible instructional activity extensions.
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Iconography: Art and Literature
Young scholars discover the main subjects and objects of Buddhist art and how symbolism in the Arts can enhance the artistic elements. The lesson concludes with the creation of student works using iconography.
Curated OER
Understanding Symbols
Students examine two Buddhist images. Using Venn Diagrams, students compare and contrast the images in an effort to decode their meanings. Students are then introduced to Buddhism through a story of Buddha.
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Buddhism - Buddha Day, Make Your Own Origami Crane Part 2
In this Origami crane activity, students create an Origami crane from detailed instructions. This crane is an important symbol in the Buddhist religion.
Curated OER
Jataka Tales
Students create an illustration and hardcover book illustrating a Jataka story. They listen to Jataka stories, create an illustration from a scratchboard or linoleum print, and construct a hardcover book to present to younger students.
Asian Art Museum
Telling Tales with Kamishibai
Kamishibai (paper drama), is a Japanese form of storytelling that uses emakimono (paper picture scrolls), to relay a moral lesson. As part of a series of resources that examine Japanese art and artists, learners watch a video retelling...
Curated OER
The Vietnam War 1954-1975
Discuss the full travesty of the Vietnam War. Whether it's for history class, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day, this slide show is sure to make an impact on learners in the upper grades. Vivid images, concise language, and the complete...
US Institute of Peace
Simulation on The Cambodia Peace Settlement
Can there be peace in Cambodia? Immerse your class in a realistic negotiation setting during a riveting simulation. Learners assume the roles of key players in a group sparring with an opposing group to try to achieve peace in the midst...
University of North Carolina
Religious Studies
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...
Curated OER
Maurya & Gupta India
Art, power, and commerce are often the hallmarks of a mighty empire - and the ancient world of India is no exception. The presentation explores the Maurya, Asoka, and Gupta Empires, detailing the territorial and artistic changes that...
Curated OER
Feudal Japan
An excellent overview of historical Japanese culture, this presentation could carry through a world history unit or a lesson on the history of Japan. Especially interesting are the slides that compare Japanese armor and castles to other...
Curated OER
The Mauryan Empire
Create a chart about the Maurayan Empire. Read the provided passage, make a chart, then analyze 3 excerpts. Questions need to be answered for each of the primary source excerpts. Making a reading chart is a good way to take notes!