Students are introduced to Islam and learn the important events in its timeline. Then they explore the beliefs and five pillars of Islam. They look more closely at Ramadan and Hajj, developing a set of questions they'd like to ask someone about them. Finally, students develop an infographic that is designed to inform younger students about the basics of Islam.
Students read an introduction to Islam that emphasizes respect for religion and the existence of misconceptions about Islam. They view an image of pilgrims in Mecca and watch the video Mecca: The Sacred City to gain an initial overview of Islam and its holy city. After watching, they post to a class wall one thing they already knew and one thing they did not know about Islam.
Teacher MovesIntroduce the experience and objective, highlighting the importance of learning accurate information about Islam and maintaining respect for all religions. Lead a class discussion using students’ wall responses, drawing out prior knowledge, unfamiliar terms, and questions students want answered during the experience. If possible, invite Muslim students to share their perspectives and preview the possibility of a guest who has completed Hajj or celebrated Ramadan.
Students examine images of Islamic sites and use an online Timeline of Islam (referenced in the scene text) to answer multiple-choice questions about key events in Muhammad’s life, the early spread of Islam, and conflicts such as the Crusades. They then read sections “Beliefs of Muslims” and “Major Practices/Duties of Muslims” from Beliefs and Daily Lives of Muslims to learn about core beliefs and practices. Using this information, they complete a graphic organizer by describing each of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Teacher MovesAfter students complete the graphic organizer, review each of the Five Pillars as a class to ensure that all students understand their meanings and how they shape Muslim belief and practice.
Students revisit the pillars of fasting and pilgrimage by watching a video on Ramadan and reading the article Hajj, along with another Mecca video, to deepen their understanding of these practices. Imagining they host a world religions podcast, they post to a class wall a set of interview questions they would ask someone who has recently observed Ramadan or completed the Hajj, focusing on conveying different aspects of the experience to their audience.
Teacher MovesHighlight and share an interesting or exemplary set of student interview questions with the class to prompt discussion about Ramadan and Hajj. If a guest has been arranged, invite them to speak about their experiences and respond to selected student questions.
Students are tasked with creating an infographic that explains the Five Pillars of Islam for an audience of third and fourth graders, including key terms and definitions. They visit Infographicszone to learn what makes an effective infographic and see an example. Using the drawing canvas (or by uploading a paper or digital design), they create their infographic, then review classmates’ work and revise their own as needed. Finally, they self-evaluate whether their infographic is appropriate for younger students using a brief multiple-choice prompt.
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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