KS3 Philosophy and Ethics - Lesson 2 of the ‘What Big Questions are there?’ Scheme of Work. This lesson looks at ‘How do myths answer Big Questions?' This lesson looks at how myths are used to answer some of the Big Questions, with a particular focus on the origins of the universe. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to: Explain why people made up myths to answer their questions, using specific examples. Describe what a myth is and look at some examples from around the world. Understand how primitive people tried to explain their ultimate questions. Feedback is welcome, please check out the rest of my lessons in the ‘What Big Questions are there?’

Suitable for teaching KS3 - ideally Y9 due to the content of the lesson; "Does genocide exist today?" Students will look at examples of genocide in the 20th century; Holodomor, Ukraine Cambodia Bosnia and Herzegovina Rwanda Armenia Using information sheets (provided) students will complete a table (differentiated) on the different genocides. Students will then be asked to reflect on what they have learnt; Who is responsible for genocide? Are other people responsible if they do not try to stop the genocide? Why do people treat other human beings in ways like these? What would you do if you were in a situation where a group was being targeted? What can we do to stop genocide from happening in the future? This can open up some fantastic and thoughtful discussions. I use this lesson after teaching the Holocaust, as often I find other genocides tend to be forgotten about in the curriculum. All resources needed are included - please consider teaching this important lesson! Feedback is welcome.

This fun lesson looks at the Matrix: Truth vs Reality and starts with Plato’s Cave. Using video clips, students complete differentiated tasks. Suitable for 11-14 Philosophy and Ethics/ Religious Studies. Please review if you purchase.

Who is to blame for evil and suffering? This lesson explores original sin. Whole lesson plus resources and differentiated activities included.

Whole lesson for teaching KS2 or KS3 Buddhist Zen Gardens. How does a zen garden express Buddhist beliefs? This lesson looks at: What is Zen Buddhism? What are the Four Noble Truths? What is a Zen Garden What is in a Zen Garden - this looks at all the different parts of a Zen Garden, with pictures and descriptions explaining each part (such as sand, stones, water, bridges, trees and plants etc). Students will then design their own Zen Garden. Objectives for the lesson: Grade 8-9: Explain the importance of Zen gardens to Buddhists. Grade 5-7: Consider why Buddhists use Zen gardens. Grade 3-4: Identify and describe a Buddhist Zen garden. ALL: Design your own Zen garden and explain the different features in your Zen garden. Feedback is welcome, please review if you purchase!

Whole lesson plus differentiated activities and links to videos. For teaching 11-16 Philosophy or Religious Education.

Whole lesson, plus differentiated activities and resources for a lesson on do we need suffering? Suitable for 11-14 Religious Education or Philosophy.

Full lesson plus activities and for teaching who is to blame for evil and suffering. Suitable for 11-16 Philosophy and Ethics or Religious Studies.

Whole lesson looking at who is to blame for evil and suffering - the Devil. Whole lesson plus resources and activities. Can be used for 11-14 Philosophy or Religious Education.