Download Ramadan Lesson Plan – Science

Introduction
Celebrating Ramadan by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith, Lawrence Migdale
(Illustrator/photographer). 2001. Holiday House, Inc.
A photo-essay, text and photographs combine to present information about Islam
and the special month of Ramadan, as well as a picture of the family life of an
American fourth grader, Ibraheem. Topics include a general introduction to
Islam's beginning, basic beliefs and practices, the revelations received by
Muhammad, the Qur'an, the Islamic forms for praying, and more. Ibraheem and
his family are shown as they celebrate Ramadan, the month of daylight fasting.
Emphasis on the variety of Islamic peoples is provided within Ibraheem's own
family, of Bosnian and Egyptian backgrounds.
Grade Level Focus: 4-5
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Ramadan –Introduction
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when Muslims
across the world will fast during the hours of daylight.
It is common to have one meal (known as the suhoor), just before sunrise and
another (known as the iftar), directly after sunset. This meal will commonly
consist of dates, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Because Ramadan is a time to spend with friends and family, the fast will often
be broken by different Muslim families coming together to share in an evening
meal.
At the end of the month, once fasting has been completed, a big celebration
takes place known as 'Eid-ul-Fitr', the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.
During this celebration Muslims dress in their finest clothes, give gifts to children
and spend time with their friends and family. At Eid it is obligatory to give a set
amount of money to charity to be used to help poor people buy new clothes and
food so they too can celebrate.
Do all Muslims have to fast during Ramadan?
Certain people are exempt from taking part in the Ramadan fast. Children, the
sick, the elderly, the mentally handicapped, and anyone who would be putting
their health at serious risk by fasting are not obliged to do so during Ramadan.
There are also certain circumstances where people normally able to fast are
unable to, such as when people are on a tiring journey or if a woman is pregnant,
and in these instances the person must make up the fast at a later date, or
provide meals to the needy in order to make up for breaking the fast.
When can Muslims eat and drink during Ramadan?
Muslims can eat and drink as long as the sun has set. It it sometimes said that
the way to tell whether it is dark enough to break the fast is to hold up a white
thread with a black thread outdoors and see if you can tell the difference between
the two. It’s only OK to eat when you can no longer tell the difference. However,
British Muslims all receive a timetable each year, which they follow, containing
precise calculations for the time of dawn and dusk.
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Why do the dates of Ramadan change each year?
The exact dates of Ramadan change every year because Islam uses a lunar
calendar, which means that each month begins with the sighting of a new moon.
Because lunar months are shorter than the solar months used elsewhere, Islamic
holidays begin on different days each year. The start of Ramadan comes around
11 days earlier each year according to the western Gregorian calendar, and
consequently is not associated with any particular western month. For Muslims
living in Britain, the fast may therefore be comparatively short if Ramadan falls
during the winter months, or much longer if it occurs during the summer.
Special Days
There are a number of special days during the month of Ramadan, which are
considered special. They are:
Battle of Badr: This was a key battle in the year 625 CE and which
occurred on the 17th of Ramadan.
Retaking of Mecca: On the 19th of Ramadan in the year 630 CE it is
believed that Muhammad manage to return and retake the city of Mecca
from his opponents.
Deaths: A number of important deaths occurred during the month of
Ramadan: Muhammad's first wife, Khadija (10th) and both Ali and the
eight Shiite Imam, Ali Reza (21st).
Births: A number of important births also occurred during the month of
Ramadan: Hussein (6th), who was later martyred and Ali (22nd).
Laylat al-Qadr: This literally means "the night of power," and is celebrated
on one of the last ten days during the month of Ramadan, but always on
an odd numbered day. Tradition holds that on this night, the prayers of a
sincere and devout Muslim are sure to be answered because it is believed
to be the night when the Qur’an was first revealed to Muhammad. Many
Muslims also believe that, on this night, the tree of Paradise is shaken and
the names of all those who will die in the coming year can be found on the
fallen leaves.
Eid al Fitr: On this day a large feast is celebrated on the breaking of the
fast of Ramadan, and is held on the first day of Shawwal, right after the
month of Ramadan. Also called "Eid," on this day many elaborate dishes
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are served at banquet-like gatherings. Additionally, houses are decorated
and gifts are exchanged.
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General Introduction – Additional Handouts
 Ramadan is...
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~umm_pub/Book_Ramadhan_Is.pdf
 Sue Ellen's Ramadan Scrapbook
http://pbskids.org/arthur/holiday/scrapbook/eulf1.html
 Maps (see handout)
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Ramadan – Science
Topic:
The Approach of Ramadan; Sighting the Moon
Goal:
To prepare for Ramadan; learn about the phases of the moon.
Book:
Ibraheem and his family await Ramadan in anticipation and explain the sighting
of the moon.
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Science – The Phases of the Moon Lecture
The moon travels around the Earth
The Moon travels around the Earth in a circle called an orbit. It takes the moon
about 28 days to go one time around the Earth.
The Moon is about 250,000 miles from Earth and has a diameter of 2,000 miles.
The Sun always lights up (illuminates) half of the Moon at one time. The Moon is
not a light source; it has no light of its own. We can only see the moon because it
reflects light from the sun.
The Moon appears to change shape but what we are actually seeing is the Moon
lit up by the light from the Sun in different ways on different days.
Did you know?
We always see the same side of the moon. The Moon always keeps the
same side pointing towards us so we can never see the 'back' of the Moon
from the Earth.
Why does the moon keep changing its shape?
The bright part of the moon is the part that the sun is shining on. This is like
daytime on earth. The dark part is in shadow, like night on earth.
As the moon moves around in its orbit, the sun shines on different parts of the
moon.
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The images below show you the different phases of the moon.
Waning Crescent
Third Quarter
Last Quarter/Half Moon
Waning Gibbous
Full Moon
Waxing Crescent
First Quarter or
Half Moon
Waxing Gibbous
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Diagram of the different moon phases:
New moon is when the moon and the sun are on the same side of Earth. The
moon is between the sun and the Earth. We see the side, which is not lit, so the
moon is dark.
Gibbous moon is between a full moon and a half moon, or between a half moon
and a full moon.
Quarter moon is when the moon has completed one quarter of an orbit around
the Earth from either the full or new moon. One quarter of the moon's surface is
visible from Earth. Sometimes called half moon.
Full moon is when the Earth is between the sun and the moon.
Remember:
The moon orbits the Earth.
It takes the moon 28 days to orbit the Earth.
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Glossary:
Orbit - The path of the Moon around the Earth.
Rotate - The Earth spins around, like a top, about its axis once each day.
Waning - Shrinking.
Waxing – Growing.
Gibbous - Swollen on one side.
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Science – The Phases of the Moon Activities
Activities
 Simple Lunar Observations Chart (see handout)
 Moon Over Mecca Craft (see handout)
Internet Activities
 Phases of the moon diagram for each month in 2006.
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/interactives/moon/moon_worksheet/moon_worksheet.ht
ml
 Take the moon challenge drag and drop the moons to the correct place in
the lunar cycle.
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/interactives/moon/moon_challenge/moon_challenge.html
 Animation showing the different moon phases around the Earth.
http://www.sumanasinc.com/webcontent/anisamples/astronomy/moonphase.html
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Simple Lunar Observations Chart
Instructions:
You must make eight observations of the moon during the next month, or lunar
cycle of approximately 29 days. You should try to make about two observations a
week, weather permitting. Remember, the Moon is orbiting the Earth, so
sometimes it is in the daytime sky rather than the night sky. Pick regular
observation days or nights, such as every Monday and Thursday, or whichever
two days of the week are best for you. Of course, if you really enjoy this activity,
you are welcome to make an observation for every day of the month!
Day and Time
Draw your observation here
Name of Phase
(and any other
observations)
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Day and Time
Draw your observation here
Name of Phase
(and any other
observations)
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Moon Over Mecca Craft (from www.crayola.com)
Supplies
• Watercolor Brushes
• Watercolor Colored Pencils
• paper towels
• recycled newspaper
• water containers
• white paper
Why
Represent Ramadan with the phases of the moon.
Benefits

Students research the origins, festivals, and observances of Islam, one of
the world's most-practiced religions.
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Children learn about the month-long fast of Ramadan, an important
observance for Muslims, which is based on the lunar calendar.

Students visually represent Ramadan by drawing moon phases or other
symbols for this solemn occasion.
Directions
1. Muslims use a lunar calendar to determine the length of the months and
the year. During the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, Muslims mark an
important time in their religion with the observance of the fast of Ramadan.
Starting with the sighting of the new moon, Muslims follow strict practices
to clean and purify their bodies and minds for a month.
2. Research the dates on which Ramadan is observed for the current year.
Draw a picture that illustrates your understanding of this solemn Muslim
observance using Watercolor Pencils. Illustrate moon phases, a mosque,
important cities such as Mecca, and other symbols of the fast of
Ramadan.
3. Cover your work area with newspaper. Blend the colors with Watercolor
Brushes and water to create soft, intermingled designs. Dry.
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Ramadan – Art
Topic:
Mosques around the world.
Goal:
To learn about the architecture of Mosques.
Book:
Ibraheem and his family visit the local mosque.
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Art – The Mosque Lecture
Within Islam, the mosque – derived from the word masjid, which means “place of
prostration,” a posture of submission to God - serves as the place for Muslims to
fulfill one of the Five Pillars of faith: prayer. Because of the importance of
mosques, great attention has always been paid to their architectural design and
their external and internal ornamentation.
Architecture and Objects of the Mosque
Five times a day, Muslims engage in prayer, an activity that can be performed
anywhere - at home, work, or wherever they are at the prescribed time of day.
However, on Fridays at midday, all men are expected to assemble at their
community’s main mosque, known as the Friday mosque, to pray together and
hear a sermon. A Friday mosque is generally the largest mosque in a city, and in
large urban areas, several Friday mosques are usually built in different
neighborhoods. There are other mosques where sermons are not generally
delivered, but Muslims can offer prayers there at any time. According to Islamic
beliefs, the very first mosque was the courtyard of Muhammad’s home, and the
idea of having a large, open space for prayer remains central to the architectural
style of mosques.
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Function
Historically, the mosque served not only as a religious site but also as a
community meeting area. While in modern times the mosque has become
primarily a place for prayer and devotion, it also serves as a meeting place.
Architectural Elements
An important element of mosque architecture is the
minaret, a tall tower from which the call to prayer
was often made. Some scholars believe that
minarets were originally designed to be seen from a
great distance so that they could guide travelers to
the house of prayer. It has also been proposed that
early minarets were built as watchtowers or
monuments, and only later were they built in close
proximity to the mosque and associated with the call to prayer.
By the eleventh century, the needs of the community had grown, and other
institutions, such as schools (madrasa), hospitals, and hospices were built as
part of the mosque complex, a natural evolution of the mosque’s original function
as a communal center, especially for prayer and education.
Decoration
Islamic prohibition of figural images in religious settings meant
that mosques and other religious structures were decorated
with calligraphy as well as vegetal and geometric designs. The
most ornate decoration in a mosque is generally found around
the prayer niche, or mihrab, which literally translates to a
“place of struggle” where the individual fights to overcome
attachments to earthly things through prayer. The mihrab is
situated on the qibla, or wall facing Mecca, as an indication of
the direction Muslims should face during prayer. Often, the arch of the mihrab
and the wall around it are decorated with colored marble, stucco, or, in Iran,
elaborate tile.
In Islam as in Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism, light carries a profound
symbolic meaning. Chapter 24, verse 35 of the Koran, known as the “light verse,”
gives a sense of the importance of this element:
God is the Light of the heavens and the earth;
The likeness of His light is as a niche
Wherein is a lamp?
(The lamp in a glass,
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The glass as it were a glittering star)
Kindled from the Blessed Tree. . . .
Lamps used to light the interior of mosques were often decorated with verses
specially selected, such as the “light verse”. Sometimes, hundreds of gilded
lamps hanging by chains from the roof beams were used to light a mosque.
Aside from these lamps and a pulpit used by religious leaders in or near the
mihrab during Friday prayers, very little furniture can be found in a mosque, as
no furniture is necessary for praying.
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Art – Mosque Activities
Activities
 Design a Tour Guide for a Mosque – Students visit virtual tours to a
Mosque and design a tour guide using different art materials. (see
handout)
 Design a Mosque Entrance (see handout)
Internet Activities
 Virtual visit to a Mosque
http://www.hitchams.suffolk.sch.uk/mosque/default.htm
 Virtual visit to the Yemini Mosque in Cardiff – Great Britain
http://www.reonline.org.uk/allre/tt_nframe.php?http://www.ngflcymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/re/m_parry_carmarthenshire/e_index_mosque_youn
g.htm
 Virtual visit to the Cordoba Mosque, Spain
http://www.panoramas.dk/fullscreen/fullscreen44.html
 Example of a Mosque layout
http://www.change.freeuk.com/learning/relthink/mosque.html
 Mosques Around the World
http://info.uah.edu/msa/mosques.html
http://www.islamicity.com/culture/mosques/
http://www.islamonline.net/English/ram2002/10/topic06.shtml
http://www.themodernreligion.com/basic/mosque/pic.html
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The Mosque
Design a tour guide for a mosque. It must have an attractive
cover, and be folded into a leaflet.
The tour guide will show a plan of the mosque showing the following
features
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The prayer hall
The minaret
The mihrab
The washroom
The minbar
A place for the Qur’an’s
Shoe racks
Explain each of the features. Choose four of the features and draw
them in the tour guide.
Explain the different things the mosque is used for during the week.
And the way a Muslim behaves when in the mosque.
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Entrance to a Mosque
(www.crayola.com)
Supplies
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Scissors
School Glue
Glitter Glue
Paint Brushes
Modeling Clay
(colored & white)
Colored Pencils
Recycled newspaper
Recycled boxes
Cardboard
Toothpicks
Why?
Islamic mosques are striking and many are ancient. Glimpse through a replica
masque entrance into the beautiful world of Islamic architecture.
How?
1. The Muslim prophet Mohammad said, "God is beautiful and loves Beauty."
This is clear in the design and construction of Islamic places of worship called
mosques. All mosques face toward Makkah (Mecca), where the first house of
worship dedicated to one god was built. Mosques are usually found in the centre
of neighbourhoods.
2. With the exception of the entrance portal, which often is vaulted, there is little
ornamentation on the exterior of a mosque. Muslims believe that art is for
ornamentation. There are no figures in Islamic art, only geometric designs and
calligraphic expressions of Arabic prayers and writings. Look at pictures of
mosques for ideas. Here are some suggestions to make a realistic replica of an
entrance portal to a mosque.
3. With scissors, cut thin cardboard to fit over a box opening to be a façade. Cut
an arch from the middle. Save the cutout piece.
4. Roll a sheet of blue or white modelling clay, roll smaller sheets of white, green,
or other colors. Cut the small sheets into tiny pieces. Press these "tiles" into the
first sheet to create a mosaic pattern. If you wish, use a toothpick to create a
honeycomb effect in the mosaic.
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5. Lay the box on its back and fill it with lightly crumpled newspaper. Drape the
mosaic over the top of the newspaper (when it dries it will hang from the top of
the box like a vaulted ceiling). Attach the mosaic to the box with school Glue. Airdry the mosaic at least overnight.
6. With colored pencils, decorate the cardboard façade and cutout piece in
Arabic style with geometric and calligraphy designs. Use a paintbrush to smooth
on a thin layer of glitter glue to adorn the design. Air-dry the glue.
7. Mix and roll out more modelling clay for the portal’s floor and sidewalls. For a
marbleized effect, mix blue and white together just a bit. Air-dry the sheets.
8. To assemble your portal, remove the newspaper. Glue the cutout arch piece to
the back of the box. Glue the modelling clay sheets to the floor and walls. Glue
the façade to the front. Air-dry your beautiful work of architecture!
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Ramadan – Social Studies
Topic:
Fasting and Food
Goal:
To learn about fasting and the preparation of food during Ramadan.
Book:
Ibraheem and his family share food.
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Social Studies – Fasting and Food Lecture
(Taken from Talibiddeen Jr. Ramadan)
What is Fasting?
In Ramadan, Muslims don't eat or drink anything at all from dawn to sunset. This
is called sawm and is one of the Pillars of Islam.
Muslims get up very early in the morning, before the sun rises and have Suhur.
You can have your usual breakfast at this time. After this, you do not eat or drink
until it is Iftar time, when the sun sets.
Since Muslims come from just about every place in the world, different families
have different foods they like to eat for their iftar or Suhur meal.
The Prophet used to break his fast with dates, which is why many Muslims eat
dates during Ramadan.
If you are too young or too old, or are sick or on a journey, then you do not have
to fast.
Diet During Ramadan
(taken from http://www.crescentlife.com/spirituality/diet_during_ramadan.htm)
Fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan can be good for one's health and
personal development. Ramadan fasting is not just about disciplining the body to
restrain from eating food and drinking water from predawn until sunset.
According to Sunna (the practices of Prophet Muhammad, Pbuh) and research
findings, a dietary plan is given:
1. Bread/Cereal/Rice, Pasta, Biscuits and Cracker Group: 6-11 servings/day;
2. Meat/Beans/ Nut Group: 2-3 servings/day.
3. Milk and Milk Product Group: 2-3 servings/day.
4. Vegetable Group: 3-5 servings/day;
5. Fruit Group: 2-4 servings/day.
6. Added sugar (table sugar, sucrose): sparingly.
7. Added fat, polyunsaturated oil 4-7 tablespoons.
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Breakfast, iftar:
Dates, three
Juice, 1 serving (4 oz.)
Vegetable soup with some pasta or graham crackers, 1 cup
The body's immediate need at the time of iftar is to get an easily available energy
source in the form of glucose for every living cell, particularly the brain and nerve
cells. Dates and juices are good sources of sugars. Dates and juice in the above
quantity are sufficient to bring low blood glucose levels to normal levels. Juice
and soup help maintain water and mineral balance in the body.
Dinner:
Consume foods from all the following food groups:
Meat/Bean Group: Chicken, beef, lamb, goat, fish, 1-2 servings (serving size = a
slice =1 oz); green pea, chickpea (garbanzo, humus), green gram, black gram,
lentil, lima bean and other beans, 1 serving (half cup). Meat and beans are a
good source of protein, minerals, and certain vitamins. Beans are a good source
of dietary fiber, as well.
Bread/Cereal Group: Whole wheat bread, 2 servings (serving size = 1 oz) or
cooked rice, one cup or combination. This group is a good source of complex
carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy and provide some protein,
minerals, and dietary fiber.
Milk Group: milk or buttermilk, yogurt or cottage cheese (one cup). Those who
cannot tolerate whole milk must try fermented products such as buttermilk and
yogurt. Milk and dairy products are good sources of protein and calcium, which
are essential for body tissue maintenance and several physiological functions.
Vegetable Group: Mixed vegetable salad, 1 serving (one cup), (lettuce, carrot,
parsley, cucumber, broccoli, coriander leaves, cauliflower or other vegetables as
desired.) Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil or any polyunsaturated oil and 2 spoons of
vinegar. Cooked vegetables such as guar beans, French beans, okra, eggplant ,
cabbage, spinach, 1 serving (4 oz). Vegetables are a good source of dietary
fiber.
Fruits Group: 1-2 servings of citrus and/or other fruits. Citrus fruits provide
vitamin C. Fruits are a good source of dietary fiber.
Fruits and mixed nuts may be eaten as a snack after dinner or before sleep.
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Pre-dawn Meal (Suhur):
Consume a light suhur. Eat whole wheat or oat cereal or whole wheat bread, 1-2
serving with a cup of milk. Add 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil in a salad or the cereal.
Eat 1-2 servings of fruits, as a last item.
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Social Studies – Food Activities
Activities
 Review the food pyramid.
 Plan a healthy Ramadan Dinner (see handout)
 Make a collage of your Ramadan dinner and/or write a menu (see
handout)
 What is your favorite meal? Write about it. (see handout)
Internet Activities
 Meal Planning and Food Safety
Kitchen Safety for Kids
http://www.suite101.com/course.cfm/19315/lessons
Safety in the Kitchen
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=288&id=1685
Staying Alive Kitchen
http://www.stayingalive.ca/kids_kitchen.html
 Ramadan Recipes
A Ramadan to Remember
http://www.missionislam.com/ramadan/Ramadan%20Recipes.htm
Ramadan Recipes
http://www.islamonline.net/english/ramadan/1421/recipes/recipes0.shtml
Arab Slice Online Cookbook
http://www.arabicslice.com/
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Activity 1:
Based upon what you have read, plan and make (or help make) a healthy dinner
before the end of Ramadan
Dinner:
Consume foods from all the following food groups:
Meat/Bean Group: Chicken, beef, lamb, goat, fish, 1-2 servings (serving size = a
slice =1 oz); green pea, chickpea (garbanzo, humus), green gram, black gram,
lentil, lima bean and other beans, 1 serving (half cup). Meat and beans are a
good source of protein, minerals, and certain vitamins. Beans are a good source
of dietary fiber, as well.
Bread/Cereal Group: Whole wheat bread, 2 servings (serving size = 1 oz) or
cooked rice, one cup or combination. This group is a good source of complex
carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy and provide some protein,
minerals, and dietary fiber.
Milk Group: milk or buttermilk, yogurt or cottage cheese (one cup). Those who
cannot tolerate whole milk must try fermented products such as buttermilk and
yogurt. Milk and dairy products are good sources of protein and calcium, which
are essential for body tissue maintenance and several physiological functions.
Vegetable Group: Mixed vegetable salad, 1 serving (one cup), (lettuce, carrot,
parsley, cucumber, broccoli, coriander leaves, cauliflower or other vegetables as
desired.) Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil or any polyunsaturated oil and 2 spoons of
vinegar. Cooked vegetables such as guar beans, French beans, okra, eggplant ,
cabbage, spinach, 1 serving (4 oz). Vegetables are a good source of dietary
fiber.
Fruits Group: 1-2 servings of citrus and/or other fruits. Citrus fruits provide
vitamin C. Fruits are a good source of dietary fiber.
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Activity 2:
Make a collage of your planned meal (cut out or draw pictures) and/or write out a
menu for your meal:
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Activity 3:
What is your favorite meal? Write about it!
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