(10 minutes, easy setup)
Students will be quizzed about their knowledge of Easter.
Provide paper and pens for students and Easter candy for rewards. Create a presentation slide with the following numbers: 180 million; 43 million; 700 million; 90 million; 16 billion. All facts used in this activity were found at http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-easter/infographics/easter-by-the-numbers. Additional facts can be found there as well.
Provide a piece of paper and a pen for each student. Explain that students will be asked a series of questions about Easter and that whomever guesses the correct answer will receive a piece of Easter candy. (If no one answers correctly, give candy to the person whose answer was the closest.) Display the power point slide you’ve created or list these amounts on the dry erase board:180 million; 43 million; 700 million; 90 million; 16 billion). Say: Did you know that 80% of all Americans celebrate Easter, but that doesn’t mean they celebrate it for religious reasons. These amounts can help us see how they celebrate. Explain that students will chose the number on the board they think is most accurate to explain the statements below. Share the following statements, pausing as students consider their choices (correct answers are provided in italics):
After students have responded to each statement, review responses, and state that it can be easy to get caught up in the traditions of Easter and maybe forget the true reason to celebrate. Conclude that today students will examine accounts of the first Easter and how it continues to impact our lives today.