Lesson Idea: Exploring Life After Death
Objective
Engage Year 11 students in a thought-provoking discussion about different concepts of life after death across various religions.
Introduction Activity: "The Afterlife Mystery Box"
Materials Needed
- A decorated box (the "Mystery Box")
- Slips of paper with various questions and scenarios related to life after death
- Markers or pens
- A timer
Instructions
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Setup:
- Before the lesson, prepare the "Mystery Box" by placing slips of paper with questions or scenarios inside. Examples could include:
- "Describe what heaven might look like according to Christianity."
- "What do you think reincarnation involves?"
- "How does the concept of life after death influence ethical behaviour?"
- "Pick a religion, and in two sentences, explain their view on the afterlife."
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In Class:
- At the start of the lesson, introduce the "Mystery Box" and explain that students will engage with the topic of life after death through a fun and interactive activity.
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Activity Instructions:
- Divide the class into small groups (4-5 students).
- Set a timer for 15 minutes.
- Each group takes turns to pick a slip of paper from the box.
- Once a group reads their question/scenario, they will spend a few minutes discussing their thoughts and come up with a brief summary or pose an additional question to the class.
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Class Sharing:
- After the timer goes off, invite each group to share their discussion outcomes with the class. Ensure that various religious perspectives are highlighted.
- Encourage students to ask questions or share their own beliefs in an open and respectful manner.
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Transition to Lesson:
- Conclude the activity by tying it back to the lesson objective. Emphasise how understanding diverse perspectives on life after death can enrich our knowledge of different cultures and belief systems.
Conclusion
This interactive beginning not only captivates students’ interest but also encourages collaboration and critical thinking. It sets a lively tone for exploring the rich tapestry of beliefs surrounding life after death in various religions throughout the lesson.