Time Frame: 5 to 7 days, depending on amount of class time provided to work on the project.

Suggested Grade Level: High School

New Jersey Core Standards: 6.2, 6.5, 6.6

Objectives: The students will be able to

1. Explain the impact of religion on the development of regions where they are commonly followed.
2. Create a museum display and brochure demonstrating the impact of the religion.

Resource Materials:

1. Student handout
2. Allow students time to research religions in the media center.
3. Students will need a "Science-Fair" display board.

Strategies and Procedures:

1. Provide students with background and connection to curriculum.
2. Break class down into groups of two or three.
3. Clarify project requirements:
   • Each group will design a stand-up placard with the essential information for display during the fair. Also, you will need to design brochure/hand-out for the class (bring it to me the day before the fair, and I will copy for the class) that highlights the major tenets/ideas/effects...etc
   • In general, the presentation should be about ten minutes in length, with the handouts and placard providing the written information to the class. (Food is extra credit)
   • Each group member should take part in the presentation.
   • The conclusion of your presentation must explain the effect/impact that this religion and its' beliefs have had on its' followers past, present, and future by citing specific examples from the sources you have found, and current events.
4. Clarify questions about essential topics to include:
   • History of the religion -founder(s), place, how it gained a following.
   • The essential tenets/teachings.
   • Image of God(s)/Deities.
   • Forms of Worship/Religious rituals.
   • Scriptures/Messages/Sacred Texts.
   • Moral Codes.
   • Beliefs about the afterlife/doctrine of salvation.
   • Areas/Regions where this religion is practiced - Universal? Traditional?
   • Number of people who practice it & information/description of their lives/culture.
5. Allow for research and the creation of the display.
6. In two 45-minute class periods, students will set up displays and view each other's creations. Rotate groups so that all students have the opportunity to see all displays.

Assessment:

• Evaluate students' displays and brochures.
• Have students write an essay comparing religious impact or a position paper evaluating the impact of religions on culture.