Created in Partnership with:
This Ontario Ministry of Education resource was prepared by teachers, for teachers in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum. Curriculum resources were inspired by the Museum’s Permanent Collection. Object information and images courtesy of the Aga Khan Museum.
Context
This unit is intended to provide Grade 7 and 8 students with a physical, cognitive and emotional connection to the Aga Khan Museum and a specific historical piece called the Planispheric Astrolabe which was created during a phase in history where many individuals from multiple faiths/religions worked harmoniously together. Furthermore, this unit will connect faiths with the teachings of the Indigenous Community through the interconnectedness and layering of Characteristic Traits and Values. Students will also have the opportunity to build community and appreciation for diversity within the classroom through exploration of dance and drama.
Summary
Dance
A1. Creating and Presenting: apply the creative process (see pages 19–22) to the composition of a variety of dance pieces, using the elements of dance to communicate feelings and ideas;
A2. Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing: apply the critical analysis process (see pages 23–28) to communicate their feelings, ideas, and understandings in response to a variety of dance pieces and experiences
Drama
B1. Creating and Presenting: apply the creative process (see pages 19–22) to process drama and the development of drama works, using the elements and conventions of drama to communicate feelings, ideas, and multiple perspectives;
B2. Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing: apply the critical analysis process (see pages 23–28) to communicate feelings, ideas, and understandings in response to a variety of drama works and experiences
Unit Guiding Questions
What is diversity?
What similarities can we draw between the Seven Sacred Teachings and the teachings of His Highness the Aga Khan?
How can dance and drama be used to explore these issues?
How can we use dance and drama to communicate thinking?
Assessment and Evaluation
Assessment for Learning
Side-coaching, anecdotal notes, direct observation, descriptive feedback
Assessment as Learning
Co-constructing of criteria, reflection, self and peer feedback based on success criteria
Assessment of Learning
Final evaluation of drama and dance pieces based on co-constructed criteria
Lessons
Lesson 1 – The World through the Lens of an Astrolabe
This lesson will provide students with an opportunity to learn more about His Highness, the Aga Khan and the Aga Khan Museum. Students will be introduced to the Aga Khan Museum and a specific piece named the ‘Planispheric Astrolabe’. Students will also discuss the values instilled by the Aga Khan which will then be translated into movement.
Lesson 2 – Embodying the Astrolabe
In this lesson, the students will further build upon their knowledge of the astrolabe and will be given more historical information. They will explore the astrolabe and through story telling create movement pieces that tell the astrolabe’s journey. They will make connections to Indigenous Teachings (the seven sacred teachings): Wisdom, Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Humility, and Truth and the connection to the teachings of the Aga Khan: Tolerance, Acceptance, Strong Ethics/Morals, Compassion (helping the weak), Unity, Generosity, Forgiveness, Respect and the Pursuit of Enlightenment.
Lesson 3 – Exploring Diversity
This lesson hopes to solidify the importance of teaching character traits and how in a diverse society, these traits/teachings are the constant road to a better world. Furthermore, students will be given the opportunity to reflect upon diversity and create a short monologue. This monologue will then be integrated with their movement work from the previous lesson.
