
Big Questions Big Answers Vol. 2 – Investigating Worldviews
Theme: Investigating Worldviews
What is a worldview? How does your religious or non-religious worldview affect how you live your life? The second volume in the Big Questions Big Answers series provides a selection of well-resourced strategies for teaching about worldviews, focusing on celebration, dress and inspiring young people. Multi-disciplinary RE is explored with our religious studies and sociology investigators.
For younger pupils we use persona dolls to look at the diverse celebrations of Diwali for Hindus and Eid-ul-Fitr for Muslims; we also consider how different religious and non-religious worldviews believe we should treat the environment.
For older pupils there is a focus on three young inspiring figures: Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai and Marcus Rashford. What is it about their worldviews that has led them to act in the ways they have?
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Select a topic to explore resources
- Investigator briefing: Worldviews
- How do Greta, Malala and Marcus view the world? How do you?
- How do Hindus celebrate Diwali, and Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr?
- eResources
- How do people celebrate Christmas?
- What do different religious and non-religious worldviews say about how we should treat our environment?
- What influences how religious and non-religious people choose to dress?
eResource
- External Teaching and learning approach
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
Resource 1.1 Worldview glasses
- InternalWorldview glassesActivity that introduces the concept of worldviews using metaphors.
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Unit 1: Investigator briefingIntroducing students to worldviews and the factors shaping beliefs, values, and perspectives in society.
External links
- ExternalGreta Thunberg - a BBC Newsround report (24 April 2019)
- ExternalGreta Thunberg's impassioned speech at the UN Climate Action Summit 2019
- ExternalMalala Yusafzai - a BBC Newsround special (8 October 2013)
- ExternalMalala's story - BBC News (10 October 2014)
- ExternalReligious statements on caring for the earth: Interfaith Power and Light
- ExternalHumanist Manifesto III
- ExternalBuddhism: Dhammapada 223 can be found on the Access to Insight website
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
Resource 1.1 Worldview glasses
- InternalWorldview glassesActivity that introduces the concept of worldviews using metaphors.
- InternalGreta, Malala, Marcus view the world – PowerPointPowerPoint showcasing Greta, Malala, and Marcus's perspectives on global issues.
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Unit 4: Greta, Malala and MarcusLearning about the impact of worldviews on activism through the lives of Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Marcus Rashford.
Celebration songs (note that some Muslims do not use music for religious celebrations), examples:
- ExternalHappy Diwali song - Diwali is here
- ExternalLovely children's version of Kool and the Gang's song 'Celebration', performed by children around the world
- ExternalEid Mubarak song, with information about Eid
- ExternalRecipe for baklava on the BBC website (take care about nuts and other ingredients, of course)
What happens at Eid-ul-Adha?
- ExternalEid and Diwali table ANSWERS What happens at Eid and Diwali? Answers
- External What happens at Eid-ul-Adha?
- ExternalWhat happens at Eid and Diwali? Whiteboard version
- ExternalWhat happens at Eid-ul-Fitr? What happens at Diwali? Answer sheet
- ExternalPPT presentation: Priya and Omar share their special days
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
Short demonstration film for teachers: How to use persona dolls in the classroom
- ExternalHow to use persona dolls
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Unit 2: How do Hindus celebrate Diwali, and Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr?Understanding the cultural and religious significance of Diwali and Eid-ul-Fitr in Hindu and Muslim communities.
Information about crib services
- ExternalChristmas in Church (RE:quest)
- ExternalHoly Trinity Leicester - Nativity 2020 (Facebook)
- ExternalCrib Service Christmas Eve 2013 (YouTube)
- ExternalHumanists UK survey (2016): how many celebrated Christmas
- ExternalHow Britons celebrate Christmas and Easter (YouGov survey, 2020)
- ExternalBritain's favourite things about Christmas (YouGov survey, 2018)
eResources
- InternalResource 5.1 Christmas Inference Grids (4 sheets)
- InternalResource 5.2A Christmas Information Booklet, extended version (2 sheets)
- ExternalFilm clips: how we celebrate Christmas (a variety of UK residents speak)
- ExternalFilm clip: Our religious studies expert Dr Chris Cotter introduces the investigation task 'How do people celebrate Christmas?'
- ExternalFilm clip: Our sociology expert Dr Rachael Shillitoe introduces the investigation task 'How do people celebrate Christmas?'
- InternalPhotos for the whiteboard: Our religious studies expert Dr Rachael
- InternalPhotos for the whiteboard: Our religious studies expert Dr Chris
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
Pupil booklet 1: How do people celebrate Christmas?
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Pupil Booklet 2: What influences dress? (BQBA2)Understanding cultural, religious, and personal influences on dress and attire in various communities.
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Unit 5: How do people celebrate Christmas?Exploring global traditions and variations in Christmas celebrations, including both secular and religious elements.
Christian and Jewish green charities and organisations
- ExternalGreen Christian - Ordinary Christians, extraordinary times
- ExternalCoalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL)
- ExternalAnimated version of the story in Resource 3.3: 'Honi comes full circle' (a tale for Tu B'shvat)
- ExternalEating fruit at Tu B'shevat
eResources
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
PowerPoint presentation: What do different religious and non-religious worldviews say about how we should treat our environment?
- InternalHow should we treat our environment? – PowerPointPowerPoint on environmental responsibility from multiple perspectives.
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Unit 3: How we should treat our environmentExploring religious and ethical perspectives on environmental care and stewardship across various world religions.
Film clips for Step 2 on page 29 of the book, from the BBC's 'My Life, My Religion':
- ExternalThe 5Ks (Sikhism)
- ExternalThe Khalsa (Sikhism)
- ExternalThe Hijab (Islam)
Picture examples from Unsplash and www.smh.com.au for Step 6 on page 32 of the book:
- ExternalMuslim woman
- ExternalNun in USA
- ExternalYoung man casual, playing basketball
- ExternalYoung man in suit
- ExternalIndian wedding outfit
- ExternalYoung woman with blue hair
- ExternalYoung Sikh man, casual
- ExternalWomen wearing 'burkhinis'
- InternalResource 6.2 Investigator research notes
- InternalResource 6.4 What influences my choice of clothing? A survey
- InternalResource 6.5 What do some believers say about what they wear?
- ExternalFilm clip: our religious studies expert Dr Chris Cotter introduces the investigation task 'What influences how religious and non-religious people choose to dress?'
- ExternalFilm clip: our sociology expert Dr Rachael Shillitoe introduces the investigation task 'What influences how religious and non-religious people choose to dress?'
- InternalPhotos for the whiteboard: Our religious studies expert Dr Chris
- InternalPhotos for the whiteboard: Our religious studies expert: Our sociology expert Dr Rachael
- InternalPicture used in Step 5 (group of young people)
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
Investigating Worldviews Pupil Booklet 2: What influences dress? (BQBA2)
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Pupil Booklet 2: What influences dress? (BQBA2)Understanding cultural, religious, and personal influences on dress and attire in various communities.
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Unit 6: What influences dress?Understanding cultural, religious, and personal influences on dress and attire in various communities.
Select a topic to explore resources
eResource
- Internal Teaching and learning approach
Member Only Content
Resource 1.1 Worldview glasses
- InternalWorldview glassesActivity that introduces the concept of worldviews using metaphors.
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Unit 1: Investigator briefingIntroducing students to worldviews and the factors shaping beliefs, values, and perspectives in society.
External links
- ExternalGreta Thunberg - a BBC Newsround report (24 April 2019)
- ExternalGreta Thunberg's impassioned speech at the UN Climate Action Summit 2019
- ExternalMalala Yusafzai - a BBC Newsround special (8 October 2013)
- ExternalMalala's story - BBC News (10 October 2014)
- ExternalReligious statements on caring for the earth: Interfaith Power and Light
- ExternalHumanist Manifesto III
- ExternalBuddhism: Dhammapada 223 can be found on the Access to Insight website
Member Only Content
Resource 1.1 Worldview glasses
- InternalWorldview glassesActivity that introduces the concept of worldviews using metaphors.
- InternalGreta, Malala, Marcus view the world – PowerPointPowerPoint showcasing Greta, Malala, and Marcus's perspectives on global issues.
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Unit 4: Greta, Malala and MarcusLearning about the impact of worldviews on activism through the lives of Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Marcus Rashford.
Celebration songs (note that some Muslims do not use music for religious celebrations), examples:
- ExternalHappy Diwali song - Diwali is here
- ExternalLovely children's version of Kool and the Gang's song 'Celebration', performed by children around the world
- ExternalEid Mubarak song, with information about Eid
- ExternalRecipe for baklava on the BBC website (take care about nuts and other ingredients, of course)
What happens at Eid-ul-Adha?
- InternalEid and Diwali table ANSWERS What happens at Eid and Diwali? Answers
- Internal What happens at Eid-ul-Adha?
- ExternalWhat happens at Eid and Diwali? Whiteboard version
- InternalWhat happens at Eid-ul-Fitr? What happens at Diwali? Answer sheet
- ExternalPPT presentation: Priya and Omar share their special days
Member Only Content
Short demonstration film for teachers: How to use persona dolls in the classroom
- ExternalHow to use persona dolls
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Unit 2: How do Hindus celebrate Diwali, and Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr?Understanding the cultural and religious significance of Diwali and Eid-ul-Fitr in Hindu and Muslim communities.
Information about crib services
- ExternalChristmas in Church (RE:quest)
- ExternalHoly Trinity Leicester - Nativity 2020 (Facebook)
- ExternalCrib Service Christmas Eve 2013 (YouTube)
- ExternalHumanists UK survey (2016): how many celebrated Christmas
- ExternalHow Britons celebrate Christmas and Easter (YouGov survey, 2020)
- ExternalBritain's favourite things about Christmas (YouGov survey, 2018)
eResources
- InternalResource 5.1 Christmas Inference Grids (4 sheets)
- InternalResource 5.2A Christmas Information Booklet, extended version (2 sheets)
- ExternalFilm clips: how we celebrate Christmas (a variety of UK residents speak)
- ExternalFilm clip: Our religious studies expert Dr Chris Cotter introduces the investigation task 'How do people celebrate Christmas?'
- ExternalFilm clip: Our sociology expert Dr Rachael Shillitoe introduces the investigation task 'How do people celebrate Christmas?'
- InternalPhotos for the whiteboard: Our religious studies expert Dr Rachael
- InternalPhotos for the whiteboard: Our religious studies expert Dr Chris
Member Only Content
Pupil booklet 1: How do people celebrate Christmas?
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Pupil Booklet 2: What influences dress? (BQBA2)Understanding cultural, religious, and personal influences on dress and attire in various communities.
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Unit 5: How do people celebrate Christmas?Exploring global traditions and variations in Christmas celebrations, including both secular and religious elements.
Christian and Jewish green charities and organisations
- ExternalGreen Christian - Ordinary Christians, extraordinary times
- ExternalCoalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL)
- ExternalAnimated version of the story in Resource 3.3: 'Honi comes full circle' (a tale for Tu B'shvat)
- ExternalEating fruit at Tu B'shevat
eResources
Member Only Content
PowerPoint presentation: What do different religious and non-religious worldviews say about how we should treat our environment?
- InternalHow should we treat our environment? – PowerPointPowerPoint on environmental responsibility from multiple perspectives.
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Unit 3: How we should treat our environmentExploring religious and ethical perspectives on environmental care and stewardship across various world religions.
Film clips for Step 2 on page 29 of the book, from the BBC's 'My Life, My Religion':
- ExternalThe 5Ks (Sikhism)
- ExternalThe Khalsa (Sikhism)
- ExternalThe Hijab (Islam)
Picture examples from Unsplash and www.smh.com.au for Step 6 on page 32 of the book:
- ExternalMuslim woman
- ExternalNun in USA
- ExternalYoung man casual, playing basketball
- ExternalYoung man in suit
- ExternalIndian wedding outfit
- ExternalYoung woman with blue hair
- ExternalYoung Sikh man, casual
- ExternalWomen wearing 'burkhinis'
- InternalResource 6.2 Investigator research notes
- InternalResource 6.4 What influences my choice of clothing? A survey
- InternalResource 6.5 What do some believers say about what they wear?
- ExternalFilm clip: our religious studies expert Dr Chris Cotter introduces the investigation task 'What influences how religious and non-religious people choose to dress?'
- ExternalFilm clip: our sociology expert Dr Rachael Shillitoe introduces the investigation task 'What influences how religious and non-religious people choose to dress?'
- InternalPhotos for the whiteboard: Our religious studies expert Dr Chris
- InternalPhotos for the whiteboard: Our religious studies expert: Our sociology expert Dr Rachael
- InternalPicture used in Step 5 (group of young people)
Member Only Content
Investigating Worldviews Pupil Booklet 2: What influences dress? (BQBA2)
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Pupil Booklet 2: What influences dress? (BQBA2)Understanding cultural, religious, and personal influences on dress and attire in various communities.
- InternalInvestigating Worldviews Unit 6: What influences dress?Understanding cultural, religious, and personal influences on dress and attire in various communities.