Activity Overview
After students gather information about Islam by reading informative texts, literature, or watching a video, they can display their understanding using a spider map. Students will highlight the important facts about Islam using illustrations and descriptions. This is a great way to help organize information and can serve as a quick reference when reviewing for tests and quizzes! This example answers the following essential questions about Islam:
- When and where did Islam originate?
- What are some important beliefs in Islam and what holidays do Muslims celebrate?
- What objects or symbols are important or sacred in Islam?
- Where are its followers today and how many people practice Islam throughout the world?
- How do Muslims worship and who are its spiritual leaders?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that describes different important facts and features of Islam.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create an illustration that represents each category using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a 1-3 sentence description of each cell.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Minimum of 5 cells showcasing different facts about Islam. Appropriate scenes to illustrate each category. 1-3 sentence description for each cell demonstrating your understanding.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
When and where did the religion originate?
Who was the founder(s) of the religion and what did they teach their followers?
What do followers of this religion believe and what holidays do they celebrate?
What objects or symbols are important or sacred to people of this religion?
Where are its followers today and how many people practice this religion throughout the world?
How do the followers of this religion worship and who are their spiritual leaders?
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facts | Text and images include a clear explanation of at least 5 important facts about the religion such as where and when it originated, who its followers are, what they believe and what holidays they celebrate. | Text and images include an explanation of important facts about the religion, but the explanation may lack clarity or there may be some inaccuracies. | Text and images do not explain important facts about the religion. Information is mostly missing or inaccurate. |
| Storyboard Images and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the facts about the religion through appropriate scenes, characters, items, symbols or infographics. Illustrations clearly show that time, care and effort have been put in. | Student attempts to convey facts about the religion through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey facts about the religion and the depictions are inaccurate or inappropriate. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
Activity Overview
After students gather information about Islam by reading informative texts, literature, or watching a video, they can display their understanding using a spider map. Students will highlight the important facts about Islam using illustrations and descriptions. This is a great way to help organize information and can serve as a quick reference when reviewing for tests and quizzes! This example answers the following essential questions about Islam:
- When and where did Islam originate?
- What are some important beliefs in Islam and what holidays do Muslims celebrate?
- What objects or symbols are important or sacred in Islam?
- Where are its followers today and how many people practice Islam throughout the world?
- How do Muslims worship and who are its spiritual leaders?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that describes different important facts and features of Islam.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create an illustration that represents each category using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a 1-3 sentence description of each cell.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements: Minimum of 5 cells showcasing different facts about Islam. Appropriate scenes to illustrate each category. 1-3 sentence description for each cell demonstrating your understanding.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
When and where did the religion originate?
Who was the founder(s) of the religion and what did they teach their followers?
What do followers of this religion believe and what holidays do they celebrate?
What objects or symbols are important or sacred to people of this religion?
Where are its followers today and how many people practice this religion throughout the world?
How do the followers of this religion worship and who are their spiritual leaders?
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facts | Text and images include a clear explanation of at least 5 important facts about the religion such as where and when it originated, who its followers are, what they believe and what holidays they celebrate. | Text and images include an explanation of important facts about the religion, but the explanation may lack clarity or there may be some inaccuracies. | Text and images do not explain important facts about the religion. Information is mostly missing or inaccurate. |
| Storyboard Images and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the facts about the religion through appropriate scenes, characters, items, symbols or infographics. Illustrations clearly show that time, care and effort have been put in. | Student attempts to convey facts about the religion through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey facts about the religion and the depictions are inaccurate or inappropriate. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
How Tos about What is Islam? Activity
Create a classroom discussion around students’ spider maps
Invite students to share their spider maps with the class, either in small groups or as a whole. This encourages participation and helps students learn from each other's research and perspectives on Islam.
Facilitate peer feedback using sentence starters
Provide students with simple sentence starters such as "I noticed…", "I learned…", or "Can you explain…?" to guide their feedback. This builds communication skills and helps students reflect on what stands out in their peers’ work.
Highlight connections between Islam and students’ own experiences
Encourage students to relate facts from the spider map to something familiar in their lives or community. This promotes deeper understanding and makes learning about Islam more meaningful.
Display spider maps for ongoing reference
Post completed spider maps around the classroom or create a digital gallery. This allows students to revisit key facts and supports review for assessments.
Integrate a quick review game using spider map facts
Organize a short quiz or matching game where students answer questions based on facts from the spider maps. This reinforces learning in a fun, interactive way and checks for understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about What is Islam? Activity
What is a simple way to teach students about Islam?
A spider map activity is an effective way to help students organize key facts about Islam. By illustrating and describing important beliefs, symbols, holidays, and origins, students build understanding and retain information for tests.
How can I create a spider map for an Islam lesson?
To create a spider map, draw a central circle labeled 'Islam' and connect it to categories like beliefs, holidays, symbols, origins, and practices. Add short descriptions and illustrations for each, helping students visualize and summarize main ideas.
What are the 5 essential facts students should know about Islam?
Students should learn: 1) When and where Islam began, 2) Core beliefs, 3) Important holidays, 4) Sacred symbols or objects, and 5) How and where Muslims worship today.
What are some important symbols and objects in Islam?
Key symbols and objects in Islam include the Crescent Moon and Star, the Qur'an (holy book), prayer rugs, and mosques, all of which have special significance in Muslim culture and worship.
What grade levels is the Islam spider map activity best for?
This activity is ideal for grades 6–8, supporting developing learners by reinforcing knowledge through visual mapping and concise written explanations.
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