Examine the historic election of Pope Benedict XVI and reflect on the challenges he faces as the new leader of the Catholic Church. This New York Times lesson plan investigates how other world leaders are chosen in different forms of...

Students explore the precepts of the Catholic faith. In this Catholicism lesson, students discuss the basic beliefs of Catholicism and the responsibilities of the pope.

Sixth graders carefully analyze a triptych of the nativity, paying close attention to the lines, shapes and symbols included in the artwork. They explore the role of the Catholic church in society at the time the piece was created and...

Fourth graders discuss the major nations of California Indians, their geographic distribution, economic activities, legends and religious beliefs. They describe the function of Spanish missions and the influence of Catholicism. In...

Ninth graders investigate the Protestant Reformation. In this global history lesson, 9th graders examine the provided primary sources that enable students to create posters and presentations that reveal how Catholicism, Lutheranism,...

The California missions were built with the hope of converting the local Native Americans to Catholicism, but exactly how different were their beliefs to begin with? Through analysis of a series of primary source documents, young...

Fourth graders examine life of French explorer, La Salle, and how he impacted settlement of Texas and the establishment of Catholic missions in Texas; students write letters from the perspective of an explorer.

Have your class examine a very old piece of art as they consider history, chronology, geography, culture, and tradition. They discuss the concept of ritual as it is associated with religious practices and research the spread of...

From Catholicism to candy corn, this presentation has it all when it comes to Halloween. The history of the holiday is discussed in these slides, as is the stories behind seasonal traditions (trick-or-treating, jack-o-lanterns). The...

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

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...

Over three weeks, fifth graders read about and discuss the Reformation which saw religion and politics shift across Europe. Following daily readings, young scholars practice spelling, grammar, and morphology skills such as prefixes,...

Students explain why Columbus said the native peoples he encountered when he reached the New World were "a people who lived in God." They explain if Latinos can still be said to be "a people who live in God." Students explain the role of...

Take a trip to ancient Rome in this presentation, which includes details about Roman life, society, politics, and religion. Viewers will be enthralled with the vivid maps and pictures in these slides, which could lead to a discussion on...

Learn about the causes and effects of King Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine of Aragon. The divorce was a turning point for England and in some ways led to the colonization of the New World. A role-play activity is included.

Why did King Henry divorce Catherine of Aragon, and how did he make divorce possible? Young historians will read through each informational slide to learn the story of Catherine of Aragon, King Henry, and Anne Boleyn. They will then...

From committing to reading the Bible during Lent to choosing a Lenten sacrifice as a family, here are ten simple and meaningful activities that families can carry out together during Lent and Holy Week. 

Add a little glitter to your Mardi Gras celebration with a packet that includes information about the history of Mardi Gras. It also provides information about how different communities celebrate the holiday, as well as templates for...

Academics explore the topic of life in California Missions for Native Americas. Class members complete a research activity, respond to writing prompts, and engage in hands-on-activities to learn who lived in the missions and what life...

Young historians have an opportunity to study the complex history and culture of Mexico by learning about several holidays: The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe), The Day of the Dead (El Dia de los...

Students explore diversity in ethnic, lingual, religious, and political systems of the people of Southeast Asia. The lesson's focus is designed to foster an understanding of the complexity of the region.

Eighth graders, using a Venn Diagram, compare and contrast Protestantism and Catholicism. At the beginning of class, they participate in a simulation to explore the beginnings of Jamestown and Roanoke. After discussion and taking...

Learn about the core of politics during the Middle Ages, the church. Defined here are the people and places that constructed the interworkings of monastic life. Descriptions of nuns, monks, priests, bishops, and the church are provided....

Students simulate an Independent Counsel to represent the Spanish and the Aztecs to formulate a policy for the Roman Catholic Church in 1527. They conduct research, graph the similarities and differences, create a poster, and write a...