Middle School
A very good resource that includes information beyond the festivals. An AWAIR pick for detailed information on Islam and Muslim festivals. Upper elementary, middle school level
Lesson plan and Readings on the origins of Islamic science and its transfer across the Mediterranean to Spain and into Europe is part of the complete set of lessons for comprehension and enrichment written to accompany the Unity Productions Foundation documentary film Cities of Light, in addition to interactive online features, articles, slide shows, timelines and maps is found at http://www.islamicspain.tv. The Lesson Plan Set is available for download in pdf format (individual lesson titles and the complete set on the site at http://www.islamicspain.tv/For-Teachers/LessonPlans.htm).
A Short video depicting three teenagers who are researching how the modern world has been impacted by the Dark Ages. They meet the Librarian (Sir Ben Kingsley) who guides them through a journey of discovery about the ancient Golden Age. This video is a project of the international exhibition with many other teaching resources at and a page of additional videos at https://www.1001inventions.com/films-and-videos/
Students evaluate comments made by individuals in the film. The quotes touch upon topics such as Expressions of Faith, Family and Communal Aspects of Muslim Life, Unity and Diversity Among Muslims, Muslims in Mainstream American Society, and Muslim Responses to Extremism in Religion. Students will be better able to distinguish between “Islamic” teachings and “Muslim” practices which may or may not conform to the faith’s widely-held principles and ideals. For use with: Video documentary FRONTLINE: MUSLIMS or standalone. Here is the lesson plan as a pdf lp_FM-C01_ValuesPracticesFaith-C01
Living With our Deepest Differences – a collection of 10 lesson plans that explain the history and significance of the First Amendment religious liberty clauses and their decisive contribution to individual and communal freedom and to American democracy. Lessons are designed to deepen each student’s appreciation of the principles of religious liberty for peoples of all faiths and of none and to establish a strong civic commitment to the ground rules by which all citizens can contend robustly but civilly over religious differences in public life. Downloaded here Living-with-Our-Deepets-Differences-Religious-Liberty-in-a-Pluralistic-Society
In 2010, the AAR Board of Directors approved the document and teaching guide Guidelines for Teaching about Religion in K–12 Public Schools (PDF) in the United States. The document is the product of a three-year initiative undertaken by the Religion in the Schools Task Force in consultation with educators and the broad constituency of the AAR. The Guidelines are written for public school teachers, administrators, members of school boards, and other citizens to provide guidance for how to teach about religion in intellectually sound ways from the nonsectarian perspective appropriate for public schools.
This is a list of UPF documentary films with streaming, discussion guides, and lesson plans.
A rich resource with information on world religions and their contemporary expressions. An ongoing research effort, the Pluralism Project studies and interprets religious diversity and interfaith relations in the United States One of the best resources for teaching about religions beyond the usual five major world religions.
This is a comprehensive resource guide to religious liberty in public education, including both accommodation of diverse beliefs and teaching about religion. It lays out the basis for these principles in constitutional law and provides a rich array of resources for educators.
Non-fiction, illustrated story of the Abbasid era translation effort that brought the knowledge of the ancient world and many cultures into the Arabic language, where it was preserved, built upon and later translated into Latin in Europe, where it helped stimulate the Renaissance.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History (TOAH), a magnificent and comprehensive resource for all periods and world regions, with extensive access to images, thematic essays such as The Nature of Islamic Art, maps, timelines and search possibilities. Indispensible for integrating art across the curriculum. See also the MET’s Islamic art collection at http://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-met/curatorial-departments/islamic-art
Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the fast’s end, are sacred times for millions throughout the world. Celebrate Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr examines the reasons for the month-long dawn-to-dusk fast and observes some of the wide variety of celebrations at the end of the fast worldwide.
Deborah Heiligman’s text examines the historical, religious, and cultural aspect of this Muslim holiday. The book’s beautiful photographs are complemented with a map pinpointing the exact locations illustrated. The extensive back matter also includes a list of further resources such as books and Web sites, useful for the research student and paper writer in grades one to four.
The book’s consultant, Dr. Neguin Yavari gives an explanatory note about the religious and cultural significance of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr.
National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Lesson plan and Readings on Historical Background of the Abrahamic Faiths is part of the complete set of lessons for comprehension and enrichment written to accompany the Unity Productions Foundation documentary film Cities of Light, in addition to interactive online features, articles, slide shows, timelines and maps is found at http://www.islamicspain.tv. The Lesson Plan Set is available for download in pdf format (individual lesson titles and the complete set on the site at http://www.islamicspain.tv/For-Teachers/LessonPlans.htm).
The book follows Ibraham’s family through the month of praying and fasting until the feast and celebration of Eid al-Fitr that ends Ramadan, explaining the basic beliefs of Islam and the life of the Prophet Muhammad as well as offering an intimate look at a devout Islamic family.
Video clips about a Health Clinic in Detroit sponsored and run by the Muslim Community in Metro Detroit. The clips include interviews with professional volunteers and patients reflecting how this clinic has made the difference by providing free healthcare to those who lack it.
An article about a Health Clinic in Detroit sponsored and run by the Muslim Community in Metro Detroit. The clinic provides free compassionate healthcare to the uninsured and the undeserved in the area. CBS News, Detroit
In this picture book, Mrs. Syed captures moments in the day-to-day lives of these Muslim women, moments that the average American can relate to once they “embrace” the fact that she covers her hair. With each page, a stereotypes is shattered and the misunderstandings that surround the female followers of a faith of 1.3 billion diminish. iCOVER has garnered significant publicity both domestically and internationally. Also Available in BHS School Library
A description of Islamic Networks Group resources and offerings for various educational and interfaith settings.