There are numerous beliefs in the world. Too many to learn in a year. Therefore, students applied the “divide and conquer” mentality. They learned about the diversity of beliefs and values, and were able to agree on three overarching categories of belief systems: Religious, Political and Philosophical. They recognize that these categories are not isolated from each other, and are rather intrinsically interconnected as they influence and shape one another. This was extensively discussed and explored via their World Religion Map activity. The students viewed videos on the origins and expansion of the dominant religions, and critically discussed how various events (i.e. Crusades, World Wars, missionary voyages) and inventions (i.e. Gunpowder, Printing Press), contributed to the spread or decline of certain religions. Together, they outlined the world and coloured the predominant religions, according to their Legend, around the world according to a 2010 PBS census. This activity also enabled the students to explore how maps are another form through which beliefs and understandings are expressed.

Source:: GRADE 3 & 4 Blog