Understanding Hindu Gods & Goddesses - Why is Krishna Blue?
Project Description
Students work with partners to research the mythology and iconography of a Hindu god or goddess. Using Keynote, students create individual presentations that are shared with classmates in mixed groups.
Purpose/Outcomes
Students will develop their internet research skills to learn about Hindu deities. They will examine the art and iconography of Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, Krishna, and others on a wide array of websites. They will summarize the common characteristics and stories of major Hindu gods and goddesses. They will practice their presentation skills when explaining the myths and symbolism of these deities to their classmates.
Tasks
Students will be introduced to Hindu beliefs using classroom resources. To understand the concept of multiple deities, students will work in pairs to read about one particular god or goddess. Students will begin to research these deities using the internet and books. They will take digital notes and carefully select images that depict aspects of the deity. Students will work in small groups to learn the features of Keynote.
Standards
HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCE - 6th grade
6.5 Students analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the early civilizations of India.
3. Explain the major beliefs and practices of Brahmanism in India and how they evolved into early Hinduism.
7. Discuss important aesthetic and intellectual traditions (e.g., Sanskrit literature, including the Bhagavad Gita; medicine; metallurgy; and mathematics, including
Hindu-Arabic numerals and the zero).
VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS - 6th - 8th
4.0 AESTHETIC VALUING- Responding to, Analyzing, and Making Judgments About Works in the Visual Arts - Students analyze, assess, and derive meaning from works of art, including their own, according to the elements of art, the principles of design, and aesthetic qualities. Derive Meaning
4.1 Construct and describe plausible interpretations of what they perceive in works of art.
4.2 Identify and describe ways in which their culture is being reflected in current works of art.
TECHNOLOGY
2. Social, ethical, and human issues
• Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
• Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
3. Technology productivity tools
• Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
• Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.
4. Technology communications tools
• Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.
• Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.
5. Technology research tools
• Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
• Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
Assessment
Students will be evaluated in several ways: quality of research, visual and organizational elements of Keynote product, and presentation skills.
(See rubric attached.)
Resources
Books:
Dallapiccola, Anna L. Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend. London: Thames & Hudson, 2002.
Oldfield, Ken. Hindu Gods and Goddesses: A Resource Book for Teachers. London: Lancaster House, 1987.
Storm, Rachel. Indian Mythology. New York, NY: Lorenz Books, 2000.
Other resources:
Posters and note cards showing images of Hindu deities
Technology Tools:
Internet access
Keynote or Powerpoint
Project Description
Students work with partners to research the mythology and iconography of a Hindu god or goddess. Using Keynote, students create individual presentations that are shared with classmates in mixed groups.
Purpose/Outcomes
Students will develop their internet research skills to learn about Hindu deities. They will examine the art and iconography of Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, Krishna, and others on a wide array of websites. They will summarize the common characteristics and stories of major Hindu gods and goddesses. They will practice their presentation skills when explaining the myths and symbolism of these deities to their classmates.
Tasks
Students will be introduced to Hindu beliefs using classroom resources. To understand the concept of multiple deities, students will work in pairs to read about one particular god or goddess. Students will begin to research these deities using the internet and books. They will take digital notes and carefully select images that depict aspects of the deity. Students will work in small groups to learn the features of Keynote.
Standards
HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCE - 6th grade
6.5 Students analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the early civilizations of India.
3. Explain the major beliefs and practices of Brahmanism in India and how they evolved into early Hinduism.
7. Discuss important aesthetic and intellectual traditions (e.g., Sanskrit literature, including the Bhagavad Gita; medicine; metallurgy; and mathematics, including
Hindu-Arabic numerals and the zero).
VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS - 6th - 8th
4.0 AESTHETIC VALUING- Responding to, Analyzing, and Making Judgments About Works in the Visual Arts - Students analyze, assess, and derive meaning from works of art, including their own, according to the elements of art, the principles of design, and aesthetic qualities. Derive Meaning
4.1 Construct and describe plausible interpretations of what they perceive in works of art.
4.2 Identify and describe ways in which their culture is being reflected in current works of art.
TECHNOLOGY
2. Social, ethical, and human issues
• Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
• Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
3. Technology productivity tools
• Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
• Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.
4. Technology communications tools
• Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.
• Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.
5. Technology research tools
• Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
• Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
Assessment
Students will be evaluated in several ways: quality of research, visual and organizational elements of Keynote product, and presentation skills.
(See rubric attached.)
Resources
Books:
Dallapiccola, Anna L. Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend. London: Thames & Hudson, 2002.
Oldfield, Ken. Hindu Gods and Goddesses: A Resource Book for Teachers. London: Lancaster House, 1987.
Storm, Rachel. Indian Mythology. New York, NY: Lorenz Books, 2000.
Other resources:
Posters and note cards showing images of Hindu deities
Technology Tools:
Internet access
Keynote or Powerpoint