Ancient India Activities
Name:__________________________________________
Directions: Over the course of the next two class periods, we will be
exploring various aspects of Indian culture. With your group, you are to
complete the 6 various stations. Make sure to keep any of the completed
work, as it will be graded.
Station #1 Hinduism 101
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Read the Handout “Hinduism 101”
Fill in the graphic organizer identifying the gods and explaining their
importance.
Create a list of 5 facts you have learned about Hinduism from the
reading:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Station #2 Choosing a Hindu Deity
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Look through the book The Little Book of Hindu Deities and choose
the god or goddess you feel the most inspired by.
In your own words what made you choose this god or goddess as
your favorite? I chose:_____________________
because_____________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Draw a picture of your interpretation of the deity on a separate
sheet of paper
Station # 3 Reviewing important terms and Map of India
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With your partners, try and match the terms with their correct
definitions. Work together as a group. When you are finished,
check your work with the answer key.
Review the map of India have a partner quiz you and then quiz
them
We matched ____________definitions correctly
I identified _____________places on the map correctly
Partner Signature:______________________________________
Station #4 Creating Rangoli
Rangoli is a folk art from India. Rangoli are decorative designs made on the floors of
living rooms and courtyards during Hindu festivals. They are meant to be sacred
welcoming areas for the Hindu deities. The ancient symbols have been passed on
through the ages, from each generation to the next, thus keeping both the art form
and the tradition alive. The patterns are typically created with materials, including
colored rice, dry flour, and (colored) sand or even flower petals.The purpose of
Rangoli is decoration, and it is thought to bring good luck.
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Using the directions shown on the website below, try to create your
own Rangoli design. Use the graph paper to help and make sure to
include color.
http://artplatter.com/2011/06/rangoli-designs-for-beginners/
Station #5 – The Story of Buddha
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Read, The Story of Buddha with your group
Neatly complete the illustrated story of Buddha worksheet
Station #6 – The Caste System
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Go to the following website and read about the caste system of
ancient India:
www.mrdowling.com/612-caste.html
When you have finished, complete the worksheet – remember to
cut out and glue on the pictures representing the various castes.
Congratulations on continuing on your path to
enlightenment!
The following should be attached to your station sheet:
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Hindu god graphic organizer
Drawing of Hindu deity
Labeled map of India
Rangoli design on graph paper
Illustrated story of Buddha sheet
Caste System handout
Each completed station is worth 5 points each.
Total Number of Station Points:_________/30
Station Activity Reflection
Directions: After all 6 of the stations are completed, please
answer the following questions with complete sentences.
1. The station I enjoyed the most was: (and why)
2. The station I think needed to be change was: (because)
3. Something I learned from participating in the stations
was: (explain)
4. I think another idea for a station might be:
Station Reflection:
Points: _______/5
Final Grade: _______/35