Download The Spread of Hinduism and Buddhism Grades 6-8

The Spread of Hinduism and Buddhism
Grades 6-8
Introduction
Hinduism and Buddhism are ancient religions that are still very widely practiced today.
Students will see maps showing the geographical distribution of both religions from their
beginnings to the present, and they'll write paragraphs describing specific things they see
on the maps.
Time Frame: 1-2 class periods
Objectives and Standards
Students will:
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View a map and answer questions about the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Examine a map of Hinduism and Buddhism today, and list the countries in which
these religions are currently practiced.
Write paragraphs explaining what they see on the maps.
National Social Studies Standards:
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1: Culture: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the
study of culture and cultural diversity.
2: Time, Continuity and Change: Social studies programs should include experiences
that provide for the study of the ways human beings view themselves in and over
time.
3: People, Places, and Environments: Social studies programs should include
experiences that provide for the study of people, places, and environments.
National Geography Standards:
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1: How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to
acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective.
4: The physical and human characteristics of places.
9: The characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations on Earth's
surface.
10: The characteristics, distribution, and complexity of Earth's cultural mosaics.
17: How to apply geography to interpret the past.
Maps and Materials Needed
Materials Needed:
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Spread of World Religions, 500 B.C.E.-600 C.E. map (one copy for each pair of
students; download and print the PDF file)
http://www.maps101.com/index.php?option=com_flexicontent&view=items&id=
3148:the-spread-of-world-religions,-c.-500-bce-600-ce&cid=86:history
World Religions map (one copy for each pair of students; download and print the
PDF file)
http://www.maps101.com/index.php?option=com_flexicontent&view=items&id=
10516:world-religions&cid=243:world-thematic
Additional Map Resources Used:
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World Reference Atlas:
http://www.maps101.com/index.php?option=com_flexicontent&view=items&id=
3346:world&cid=8:reference-atlas
Extension
Continue this lesson with an in-depth look at the beliefs and practices of Hindus and
Buddhists. Have students compare and contrast the two religions and compare the
practices of each religion in different countries.
Procedure
1. Divide the class into pairs, and give each pair a copy of Spread of World Religions,
500 B.C.E.-600 C.E.
(http://www.maps101.com/index.php?option=com_flexicontent&view=items&id
=3148:the-spread-of-world-religions,-c.-500-bce-600-ce&cid=86:history) and the
World Religions maps
(http://www.maps101.com/index.php?option=com_flexicontent&view=items&id
=10516:world-religions&cid=243:world-thematic).
2. Ask students to look carefully at the first map to see where Buddhism and Hinduism
started and where these two religions spread between 500 B.C.E. and 500 C.E. Have
them answer the questions in section 1 of the handout concerning the geographical
spread of these religions during this time period.
3. Have students look at the World Religions map to figure out where Hinduism and
Buddhism are practiced today. In section 2 of the handout, have them list the
countries for each religion. They will probably need to refer to the World Reference
Atlas
(http://www.maps101.com/index.php?option=com_flexicontent&view=items&id
=3346:world&cid=8:reference-atlas) or a print atlas to find out the names of the
countries.
4. Have students write paragraphs in section 3 of the handout describing the spread of
Hinduism and Buddhism as shown on the historical and modern maps they've seen.
The handout asks them to explain what they see on the maps, but if there's time, you
can also have them explain why these two religions spread in the ways that they did.
This explanation will require additional research in the library, on the Internet, or in
their textbooks.
Assessment Suggestions
Check to make sure that students have:
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Worked cooperatively with their partners.
Accurately answered the questions in section 1 of the handout.
Accurately listed the countries in section 2 of the handout.
Written clear paragraphs that answer all the questions in section 3 of the handout.
Student Handout
1. Look carefully at the Spread of World Religions, 500 B.C.E.-600 C.E.
(http://www.maps101.com/index.php?option=com_flexicontent&view=items&id
=3148:the-spread-of-world-religions,-c.-500-bce-600-ce&cid=86:history) map,
and answer these questions about what you see:
a) In what country did Hinduism begin?
b) To what countries did Hinduism spread?
c) In what country did Buddhism begin?
d) To what countries did Buddhism spread?
2. List the countries that practice Hinduism and Buddhism today:
Hinduism:
Buddhism:
3. Write a paragraph describing what the two maps show about Hinduism and
Buddhism. Your paragraph should answer these questions:
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Which religion started first?
Which religion spread the farthest?
How far into Asia did the practice of Buddhism go?
Which parts of Asia are not primarily Buddhist or Hindu? What religion(s) are
practiced in these places?
What is the main country in which Hinduism is practiced today?