Fasting Across Faiths: A Global Exploration

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Fasting Across Faiths: A Global Exploration

Grade 6Social Studies1 days

Designed for 6th-grade students, the "Fasting Across Faiths: A Global Exploration" project delves into the diverse fasting traditions practiced worldwide, analyzing them through cultural, historical, and spiritual lenses. Students will engage in activities such as creating maps, podcasts, and social media campaigns to present their findings, enhancing their research, media integration, and presentation skills. The project emphasizes critical thinking and understanding of the social and personal impacts of fasting, encouraging students to connect these traditions with broader societal contexts. By exploring different faiths, students develop a comprehensive understanding of how fasting practices reflect and influence communities globally.

FastingCultural UnderstandingReligious TraditionsHistorical ContextSocial ImpactGlobal Exploration

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How do fasting traditions from around the world reflect the spiritual, cultural, and historical contexts of different faiths, and what impacts do these practices have on individuals and communities?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What are the fasting traditions of different faiths around the world?
Why do people of different faiths participate in fasting?
How does fasting differ between cultures and religions?
What are the spiritual, physical, and social impacts of fasting across various faiths?
How do historical and cultural contexts shape fasting traditions?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will be able to identify and describe various fasting traditions across different faiths and cultures worldwide.
Students will understand the impact of cultural, historical, and spiritual contexts on fasting practices of different religions.
Students will analyze the spiritual, physical, and social effects of fasting on individuals and communities.
Students will develop skills in researching diverse media sources to compile information on global fasting practices.
Students will enhance their ability to present their findings coherently and critically reflect on the significance of these traditions.

Common Core State Standards - English Language Arts

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1

Primary

Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.Reason: Students will research diverse fasting traditions, interpreting texts for explicit meanings and inferential understanding.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7

Primary

Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.Reason: Students will collect data and present findings on fasting traditions using various media, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards

D2.Civ.1.6-8

Secondary

Distinguish the powers and responsibilities of local, state, tribal, national, and international civic and political institutions.Reason: Understanding the role of religious institutions in fasting practices aligns well with recognizing civic and cultural responsibilities.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Fasting Across Time

Begin with a timeline activity that traces the history of fasting practices, highlighting key historical events linked to these traditions. Students can explore how fasting has evolved and its impacts on societies, prompting them to think about the cultural and historical significance beyond the religious aspects.

Social Media Campaign Challenge

Introduce the project by tasking students with creating a social media campaign hashtag around fasting across faiths. This will require them to research and create content that is engaging and informative, blending modern-day media skills with their learning, and allowing them to connect with a broader community.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Global Fasting Tradition Map Maker

Students will explore and map out the global landscape of fasting traditions by creating a visual representation of fasting practices across different cultures.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research various fasting traditions worldwide, including their origins, significance, and practices.

2. Use online resources, library books, or interviews with religious leaders or community members to gather information.

3. Create a map or infographic that highlights at least five different fasting traditions, labeling the regions and key aspects of each tradition.

4. Include visual symbols or icons to represent each tradition and any historical events associated with them.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed map or infographic showcasing different fasting traditions and their key characteristics.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1 by allowing students to research and cite information from texts; aligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7 by integrating information into a visual format.

Activity 2

Cultural Fasting Podcast

Students will produce a podcast episode discussing the cultural and historical contexts of fasting traditions from selected faiths.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Select two to three fasting traditions from different faiths that resonate most with you and your values.

2. Research the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of these traditions and prepare a script for your podcast, citing key sources.

3. Record the podcast using digital tools, discussing the similarities and differences of each tradition and any personal insights.

4. Edit the podcast, add background music if desired, and prepare it for presentation to the class.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA podcast episode that analyzes cultural and historical contexts of fasting traditions, with thoughtfully prepared scripts and recordings.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1 by analyzing information for explicit meaning; covers advanced integration of media as per CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7.

Activity 3

Faith-Fasting Social Media Advocate

Students create an engaging social media post campaign that communicates the significance of fasting to a global audience.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Select one of the fasting traditions previously researched and decide on a key message you want to convey to the audience.

2. Craft a series of three to five social media posts aimed at educating peers or the community about the fasting tradition’s impact on both a local and global level.

3. Use images, quotes, or short videos to enhance your posts and ensure they are engaging and informative.

4. Share the campaign with classmates, seeking feedback and reflecting on audience engagement.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA series of well-designed and informative social media posts, shared and evaluated for effectiveness.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7 by using various media to develop a coherent message; encourages understanding of civic and cultural responsibilities (D2.Civ.1.6-8).

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Fasting Traditions Portfolio Assessment Rubric

Category 1

Research and Content Understanding

Evaluates the depth and breadth of understanding of fasting traditions across different faiths globally.

Criterion 1

Diversity of Traditions

Assesses the variety of fasting traditions researched and the depth of information gathered for each.

Exemplary

4 Points

Research covers a wide variety of fasting traditions, providing detailed insights into at least five different practices, including cultural, historical, and spiritual contexts.

Proficient

3 Points

Research includes a good range of fasting traditions, offering well-rounded insights into at least three to four practices.

Developing

2 Points

Research covers a limited number of fasting traditions with basic descriptions, lacking depth in cultural and historical contexts.

Beginning

1 Points

Research is minimal or superficial, covering one or two fasting traditions without adequate detail.

Criterion 2

Accuracy and Textual Evidence

Measures how accurately students cite information and draw inferences from textual evidence or other sources.

Exemplary

4 Points

Cites multiple credible sources accurately, integrating explicit and inferred details skillfully into the analysis.

Proficient

3 Points

Cites sources appropriately, using evidence to support most claims, with few inaccuracies.

Developing

2 Points

Uses sources inconsistently with occasional inaccuracies, shows limited inference drawing.

Beginning

1 Points

Rarely uses credible sources or fails to back claims with evidence, showing misunderstanding of the content.

Category 2

Creative and Analytic Representation

Assesses students' ability to represent their research findings through creative and analytical means such as maps, podcasts, or social media posts.

Criterion 1

Visual and Technical Presentation

Evaluates how effectively students present information visually or technically, such as in infographic maps or podcast recordings.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents information in a highly engaging and clear manner using sophisticated visuals or audio, with exceptional attention to detail and creativity.

Proficient

3 Points

Displays information clearly and attractively with good use of visuals or audio, showing creativity and technical competence.

Developing

2 Points

Presents information with basic use of visuals or audio, lacking creativity and depth in presentation.

Beginning

1 Points

Presentation lacks clarity and engagement, with minimal use of visuals or weakly constructed audio.

Criterion 2

Analytic Depth and Insight

Evaluates depth of analysis and reflection presented during podcasts or social media campaigns.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides deep insights and thoughtful analysis, effectively comparing different fasting traditions and generating meaningful reflection.

Proficient

3 Points

Offers clear analysis and reflection with balanced comparison, showing good understanding of traditions.

Developing

2 Points

Provides superficial analysis, with limited comparison and reflection on the fasting traditions.

Beginning

1 Points

Minimal analysis or reflection, struggling to articulate the significance of fasting traditions.

Category 3

Cultural and Social Understanding

Assesses students' ability to connect fasting practices to cultural and societal contexts and implications.

Criterion 1

Cultural Contexts and Impacts

Measures understanding of how fasting traditions are influenced by and impact cultures and societies.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional understanding of cultural contexts and effects on societies, linking fasting practices to broader social implications.

Proficient

3 Points

Shows clear understanding of cultural influences on fasting, with some discussion on societal impacts.

Developing

2 Points

Provides basic cultural connections, with minimal discussion on the societal impacts of fasting traditions.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to connect fasting to cultural contexts or show its societal roles.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflect on how your understanding of different fasting traditions worldwide has evolved through this project.

Text

Required

Question 2

How well do you feel you met the learning goals of this project?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which fasting tradition did you find most interesting, and why?

Text

Optional

Question 4

How did creating a visual or audio representation (map, infographic, podcast) impact your understanding of fasting traditions?

Text

Required

Question 5

What challenges did you encounter during the project, and how did you overcome them?

Text

Required

Question 6

Rate the effectiveness of using social media as a tool to communicate and engage others about fasting traditions.

Scale

Optional