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September 25th, 1999
Middle School Lesson Plans

  • Service Learning: Gaining Knowledge Through Giving
    Many factors motivate people to “do good” for others or to rally behind a cause. Service, such as volunteering, is common and considered valuable to all involved. Such service also raises philosophical questions. Is “doing good” a personal choice or does it emerge from a moral, spiritual, or civic responsibility? What drives altruism? Does altruism always drive service? Beyond a sense of fulfillment, what does service bring to the “doer”? What does service teach? Read More
  • On Being Hindu … and American
    There are about two million Hindus of Indian origin living in the United States. Many have been here for a long time. There are accomplishments in “acculturation” and some challenges too, particularly as younger generations of Hindu Americans become more Americanized and removed from their ethnic and religious origins. In this lesson, students explore how Indian Hindus have adjusted to the United States and the impact of this accommodation. Read More
  • Resistance to Parents
    In this lesson, students will consider instances in which it is reasonable for children to oppose the demands of their parents. They will discuss requests that could put children at risk of physical or emotional injury, and they will recognize instances in which a parent’s demands may be read as abusive. Read More
  • Dishonesty
    In this lesson, students will examine the pros and cons of honesty and dishonesty. They will consider whether some lies are acceptable and ethical or dishonesty should be avoided at all costs. Students will discover the most common types of lies told among their peers and the reasoning behind them. Read More
  • Religion, Culture, and Diversity
    In this lesson plan, students explore some of the tensions associated with religious and cultural differences, learn more about various religions and share their own religious traditions. Read More
  • Faith-Based Initiatives: Separation of Church and State
    In this lesson, students explore the complex territory where church and state intersect. They frame their own questions about the Bush administration’s stance regarding faith-based initiatives and charitable choice, and they examine the recent issue of the Ten Commandments monument placed in front of an Alabama courthouse. Read More
  • Bioethics: Where the Future May Take Us
    In this unit, students explore the promise and the perils of cloning, brain imaging technology, and other high-tech medical care. Read More
  • Traditions and Transformations
    How do religious traditions endure or transform over time? In this lesson plan, middle school students learn about Jewish culture as a living, changing tradition and relate it to traditions in their own life. Read More
  • The Death Penalty
    Is the death penalty a just and ethical form of punishment? Students explore the controversy surrounding capital punishment, consider different viewpoints from religious leaders and communities, and work on developing and supporting their own positions on the issue. Read More
  • Religion in Public Schools
    Students will explore the controversy surrounding religion in the public schools by conducting research and examining different points of view. In particular, students will investigate the issue of whether public schools should provide time and space for individuals or groups to celebrate or observe religious beliefs. Read More
  • War and Religion
    Students consider the question of whether the War on Terrorism is a justifiable and appropriate response to recent tragic events. They research the positions of various religious leaders and communities and investigate what major world religions say about pacifism versus war. Read More
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