Basic 8 · Religious and Moral Education · Term Project
Term Project in Religious and Moral Education
In this topic you will apply the term's learning through a values-based project, using discussion, reflection, presentation and the application of moral lessons.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Plan a values-based project on a rite or moral theme
- Carry out research respectfully
- Present and evaluate your project
What you already know
- All topics covered in Religious and Moral Education this term
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- God’s Creation & Attributes
- Sub-strand
- Term Project
Introduction
You have studied what religions teach. This project asks you to take those teachings into your own school and community.
1. Project Options
| Option | Task | Values applied |
|---|---|---|
| environment | clean-up or tree-planting campaign | stewardship |
| names | booklet of names and meanings in your class | identity, respect |
| interfaith | interview leaders of different religions on peace | tolerance |
| growing up | hygiene and peer-pressure advice poster | self-respect |
| simple funerals | survey on the costs of funerals | responsibility |
2. Planning the Project
- Form a group and agree on a project.
- State your aim in one sentence.
- Share out the roles, such as leader, researcher, writer and presenter.
- Decide on the materials and time needed.
- Discuss your plan with the teacher.
3. Researching Respectfully
For interviews, make an appointment and explain your purpose. Greet the person properly and listen without arguing. Ask open questions, such as "What does this rite mean to your people?" Record the answers carefully and thank the person. Before you photograph anyone or record them, ask for permission. Do not ask anyone to share something private. If a topic is sensitive, such as a funeral or a puberty rite, take special care with your words, and ask your teacher for advice first.
4. Sources of Information
Good sources include elders, religious leaders, teachers, books and reliable websites. Compare what different sources say, since customs can vary from one place to another. Write down who told you what. If you are quoting from the Bible or the Qur'an, give the book or surah and the verse number. Keep your notes in one folder so that your group can use them later. Honesty about your sources is itself a moral value, and copying someone's work as your own is a form of cheating.
5. Working as a Team
Projects test character. Keep your promises to the group and do your share of the work. Listen to others, and when you disagree, speak calmly. Encourage quieter members to give their ideas. Teamwork lets you practise respect, responsibility and patience, which are the same values you have been studying.
New words
- aim
- What a project sets out to do.
- interview
- Asking someone questions for information.
- source
- Where information comes from.
- permission
- Agreement to do something.
Summary
- Choose a project that applies the term's values.
- Plan aims, roles and materials.
- Research respectfully and record your sources.
Class activity: Project Planning
- Choose a project.
- Write the aim and share out the roles.
- Prepare five interview questions or a list of tasks.
You need: Bible, Qur'an, Printed photograph of a Ghanaian traditional shrine
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Asking someone questions for information is an…
- A. interview
- B. essay
- C. exam
- D. poem
Show answer
Answer: interviewResearch.2. Which is a good open question?
- A. What does this rite mean to your people?
- B. Is your name Kofi?
- C. Did you eat?
- D. Are you tall?
Show answer
Answer: What does this rite mean to your people?Open.3. You should ask permission before photographing someone.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueRespect.4. Where information comes from is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: sourceReference.5. State three roles in a project group.
Show answer
Answer: Leader, researcher and presenter.Any three.6. Why compare information from different sources?
Show answer
Answer: Customs vary between places, so comparing gives a fairer and more accurate picture.Accuracy.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- God’s Creation & Attributes
- Sub-strand
- Term Project
Introduction
A project is complete only when it has been shared and when you have thought about what you learned from it.
1. Presenting Your Project
- Introduce your group and your aim.
- Explain what you did and who you spoke to.
- Show your poster, booklet, photographs or chart.
- State the main things you found.
- Explain the moral lesson.
- Answer questions politely.
Speak clearly and look at your audience. Keep to your time limit. Each group member should have a part to play. Let your work show respect for all the religions and peoples that you mention.
2. Evaluating the Work
| Criterion | Question |
|---|---|
| aim | Was the aim clear and achieved? |
| research | Was the information accurate and sourced? |
| respect | Were all faiths treated fairly? |
| values | Was the moral lesson clear? |
| action | Did the project make a real difference? |
| teamwork | Did all members contribute? |
3. Giving Feedback
Feedback helps people improve when it is honest and kind. Begin by saying what was done well, and be specific. Then suggest one improvement. For example, "Your poster was clear and colourful. Next time, you could add the source of your information." When you receive feedback, listen without becoming defensive. Being able to accept correction shows humility, which is a value taught in all three religions.
4. Reflecting on Your Learning
Write down what you have learned about your community, your faith and yourself. Did your view of another religion change? Which value did you find hardest to practise? What will you do differently now? Reflection turns an activity into true learning. Many religious traditions end their acts of worship with thanksgiving, and it is good to end a project by thanking those who helped you.
5. Living the Values
The real test of RME is not an examination result. It is how you treat your family, friends and neighbours. Each day gives you chances to tell the truth, show kindness and care for the world around you. Take what you have learned into the coming holidays and into the next term. A person of good character is a blessing to the community and to the nation.
New words
- evaluate
- To judge the quality of work.
- feedback
- Comments that help someone improve.
- criterion
- A standard used for judging.
- thanksgiving
- Expressing gratitude.
Summary
- Present your aim, findings and moral lesson clearly.
- Give kind, honest feedback and accept correction.
- Reflect on your learning and keep living the values.
Class activity: Project Fair
- Present your project to the class.
- Evaluate two other projects using the checklist.
- Write a short reflection on what you learned.
You need: Bible, Qur'an, Printed photograph of a Ghanaian traditional shrine
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Comments that help someone improve are…
- A. feedback
- B. a sermon
- C. a vow
- D. a rite
Show answer
Answer: feedbackImprovement.2. Which criterion asks if all faiths were treated fairly?
- A. respect
- B. aim
- C. teamwork
- D. timing
Show answer
Answer: respectFairness.3. Accepting correction shows humility.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueValue.4. Expressing gratitude is ______.
Show answer
Answer: thanksgivingThanks.5. State three things to include in a presentation.
Show answer
Answer: Aim, findings and moral lesson.Any three.6. Why is reflection an important final step in a project?
Show answer
Answer: It turns activity into learning, and helps you to see what changed and what to do differently.Reflection.
Homework
- Write a reflection of about 100 words on your project.