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: 4 - 8 days (dependent on the number of days given in class for preparation, research, and construction)

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 several religions practices throughout the world
2. Students will be able to identify the basic beliefs or these religions, and well as how they are practiced, and where they are practiced
3. Students will be able to identify the historical background as to how these religions developed
4. Students will create a poster which displays and explains each religion

Resource Materials:

1. Student handout
2. Media Center of Library
3. Poster Board
4. Art Supplies

Strategies and Procedures:

1. Break class down into nine equal groups
2. Pass out student handout
3. Explain project requirements
   • Each group will be assigned a religion.
   • Each group will make a poster with essential information.
   • Oral presentation should be between 5-10 minutes.
   • Each group member should actively participate.
4. Make note of mandatory information to be provided
   • Origins of the religion.
   • Founder.
   • Place.
   • Era.
   • How did each religion gain its following?
   • When.
   • Where did it spread.
   • Basic fundamentals of the religion.
   • Teachings.
   • Holy Writings.
   • Key Beliefs.
   • Rituals.
5. Clarify questions
6. Allow fixed time for research
7. Allow fixed time for construction of poster
8. Student oral presentations of information and explanation of poster

Assessment:

1. Evaluate student posters and presentations
2. Suggested Grading Criteria:
   
   50 points – research
   25 points – poster appearance
   25 points – oral presentation