Students explore the basic concepts and practices of Hinduism. Then, they research Hindu beliefs and practices and explain their influence on Indian society and culture. Finally, they watch two short videos on modern Hinduism and prepare a news report on the annual holiday Diwali, the festival of lights.
Students read a brief introduction to Hinduism as one of the world’s oldest major religions practiced by most people in India and review the lesson objectives. They view an image of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, then watch the animated video Hindu Creation Story to see one Hindu explanation of how the world began. After viewing, they add one or more questions about Hinduism to a shared class table titled “Our Questions About Hinduism.”
Teacher MovesIntroduce the experience and objectives, highlighting that students will investigate Hindu beliefs and their influence on Indian culture. After students record questions about Hinduism, remind them to keep track of these questions and to look for answers as they move through the lesson.
Students examine an image of the god Shiva meditating, then read Hinduism to learn about the basic history, sacred texts, and core beliefs of Hinduism. They answer several multiple-choice questions to check their understanding of reincarnation, the Vedas, and key characteristics of Hinduism.
Teacher MovesLead a brief discussion connecting back to the questions students generated in Scene 1, noting which have been answered by the reading and questions and what new questions have emerged. Then organize students into small groups and assign each group one focus area—Society and Politics; Art, Architecture, and Literature; Music and Dance; Food and Clothing; or Holidays and Celebrations—for the next scene’s research.
Students read about the long-term influence of Hinduism on Indian society, including the caste system, ahimsa, dietary practices, yoga, and artistic traditions. In small groups, they research how Hinduism has shaped their assigned focus area (Society and Politics; Art, Architecture, and Literature; Music and Dance; Food and Clothing; or Holidays and Celebrations). Each group creates a report that describes at least three Hindu practices or influences in that area, explains their importance in India (and possibly beyond), and includes one or more relevant images. A designated reporter posts the group’s report or a link to a digital product (such as a Prezi, timeline, presentation, or Glogster) to a shared discussion wall.
Teacher MovesHave groups share their reports with other groups so that all students learn about Hindu influence across all focus areas. As time permits, invite groups to present or display their findings in a format of their choice, such as a poster, bulletin board, or blog, and then transition students to completing the remaining scenes individually.
Students view an image of Diwali celebrations and watch the video Hinduism—Diwali to see how this major Hindu festival is celebrated in India today. They then imagine themselves as American journalists in India and write a 100-word (or longer) news script describing a Diwali celebration, using vivid sensory details about the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. As part of their script, they download and include a photo that illustrates some aspect of Diwali.
Teacher MovesUse student responses to identify understandings and misconceptions, and to guide follow-up discussion.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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