Grades 6-8: Building Bridges (fall)
Intro to Building Bridges
9/10/2017
We will explore reasons to discuss world religions and discuss the topics and visits for the upcoming year. We will also learn about ChUUrchcraft, an activity we'll be doing in every class that uses the Minecraft Pocket Edition app.
Judaism - Workshop 1
9/17/2017
We will explore Judaism as an ancient, monotheistic religion with worldwide influence and varied modern expression. We will become familiar with Abraham's covenant with God, and the Jewish orientation toward hope for a better tomorrow.
Judaism - Workshop 2: Offsite Visit to Temple Emmanuel
9/22/2017
We visit Temple Emmanuel in Roanoke. Please note that this visit occurs on Friday evening. There is no Sunday morning RE this week.
Judaism - Workshop 3
10/1/2017
We will continue our exploration of Judaism, discussing our recent visit and learning the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments.
Judaism - Workshop 4
10/8/2017
We will continue our exploration of Judaism, learning more about Jewish holidays, and discussing the Laws of Kashrut pertaining to food.
Buddhism - Workshop 1
10/15/2017
We begin an in-depth exploration of Buddhism, the fifth largest religion in the world. We will explore the life of Buddha and Zen koans.
Buddhism - Workshop 2: Offsite Visit to Dharmapala Kadampa Buddhist Center (Roanoke)
10/22/2017
We visit the Buddhist Temple in Roanoke.
Buddhism - Workshop 3
10/29/2017
We continue our discussion of Buddhism, reflecting on our visit, and discussing the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Buddhism - Workshop 4
11/5/2017
We continue our discussion of Buddhism, becoming familiar with aspects of Zen Buddhism. We will discuss Bodhisattvas and the Eight Verses for Training the Mind.
Hinduism - Workshop 1
11/12/2017
We will discuss important concepts of Hinduism, including the Birth of Krishna.
Hinduism - Workshop 2: Offsite Visit to Shantiniketan Temple (Roanoke)
11/19/2017
We visit the Hindu Temple in Roanoke. Please note that this visit occurs on Sunday late afternoon.
Hinduism and Taoism - Workshop 3
12/3/2017We will continue learning about Hinduism, reflecting on our recent visit and discussing the Four Paths to the Ultimate. We will also learn more about Taoism, exploring the Tao Te Ching amd the concept of balance represented by the yin/yang symbol.
Eastern Religions - Workshop 4
12/17/2017
We discuss other religions that emerged within a short period of time in the Eastern hemisphere: Zoroastrianism, Jainism, and Confucianism.
Islam - Workshop 1
1/7/2018
We begin our discussion of Islam, the world's second largest faith, and learn about the life of Muhammad.
1/14/2018
We continue our discussion of Islam, learning about the Five Pillars of Islam, and exploring the role of women in Islam.
Islam - Workshop 3: Offsite Visit to Islamic Society of the New River Valley
1/21/2018
We visit the Islamic Society of the New River Valley in Blacksburg.