Exploring the Spirit of Islam, Ramadan, and the Hajj

Islam is the second largest religion in the world, yet many non-Muslim children know little about it. In this lesson, students work together in groups to explore some of the key components of Islam: Ramadan and the Hajj. Along the way, students learn about the major tenets of Islam by conducting research and speaking with a member of the Islamic community. Finally, students share their thoughts and research by designing and creating a Web site.

Grade Level:
6-8

Time Allotment:
Seven 50-minute class periods

Subject Matter:
Social Studies, Language Arts, Technology

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

Learn about some of the major concepts in Islam, such as the five pillars of faith and major religious events.
Synthesize what they've learned about Islam, Ramadan, and the Hajj in the construction of an original essay.
Design and create a Web site using basic information architecture principles.

National Standards

MCREL World History Standard 13
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Benchmark.asp?SubjectID=6&StandardID=13
Understands the causes and consequences of the development of Islamic civilization between the 7th and 10th centuries.

MCREL Language Arts Standard 4
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Benchmark.asp?SubjectID=7&StandardID=4
Gathers and uses information for research purposes.

MCREL Technology Standard 4
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Benchmark.asp?SubjectID=19&StandardID=4
Understands the nature of technological design.

ISTE National Education Technology Standard 3 - Technology productivity tools
http://cnets.iste.org/index2.html
Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.

This lesson was prepared by Suzanne Furlong.

Overview | Procedures for Teachers | Organizers for Students