Core Questions addressed:

1. How are religions created?
2. When?
3. Where did they start and where did they diffuse?
4. Why?
5. Who?

Time Frame: 1-2 days

Suggest Grade Level: Middle School / High School

New Jersey Core Content Standards: 6.2, 6.4, 6.5

Instructional Objectives:

1. Students will be able to identify various aspects of a particular religion
2. Students will be able to define vocabulary which is related to a particular religion

Resource Materials:

1. Buddhism Suggested Word List
2. Buddhism Power Point
3. Christianity Suggested Word List
4. Christianity Power Point
5. Hinduism Suggested Word List
6. Hinduism Power Point
7. Islam Suggested Word List
8. Islam Power Point
9. Judaism Suggested Word List
10. Judaism Power Point
11. Computer Room or Resource Center

Strategies and Procedures:

1. Provide students with background on the chosen religion by using the Power Point Presentation
2. Assign each student a vocabulary word or phrase which they are to research and define (also researching pictures if appropriate)
3. Explain assignment:
   • Each student is to use the internet to research and define their assigned word or phrase
   • Each student will then use the word processing program to do the following:
     • Top right hand corner of the page: put the letter which the word of phrase begins with in a large font
     • Top right hand corner of the page underneath letter: In a smaller font put the word or phrase which was researched
     • Center of the page: Type again in a bold type face the word or phrase that was researched
     • Center of page: Type the definition or explanation of the word or phrase
4. Have each student read their word and definition to the class.
5. Collect each students’ definition and assemble all words and phrases into a Religion Alphabet Book

**This assignment can be done with multiple religions by putting students into groups and assigning each group a religion. Students will then divide the suggested word list among them and assemble their definitions into a book. The time frame for this type of assignment may take longer.**

Assessment:

1. Evaluate student’s letter assignments