12th Grade: Unit 6 – Ostara
6 weeks (Mar 2 – Apr 10)
4th Principle: Free and responsible search for truth
Comparative Religion & College Prep
Unit Overview
As spring arrives at Ostara, we explore how religions interact in the modern world—interfaith dialogue, religious pluralism, and the relationship between science and spirituality. Students finalize their portfolios, make college decisions, and prepare for life transitions.
Key Topics
- Interfaith dialogue and religious pluralism
- Religion and social justice
- Science and religion
- Death, dying, and afterlife beliefs
- College decisions and transition planning
Learning Goals
- Engage respectfully across religious difference
- Understand religion's role in social movements
- Navigate science-religion conversations thoughtfully
- Complete K-12 portfolio
- Make informed post-graduation decisions
Weekly Lessons
Week 1: Interfaith Dialogue & Religious Pluralism
🕯 Hearth Circle: Spring awakening; balance of light and dark; new growth
📖 Language Arts: Capstone presentation refinement; timing and delivery practice
🔢 Mathematics: Pre-calc: review of all topics; practice problems; or Stats: comprehensive review
🔬 Environmental Science: Environmental justice; pollution and marginalized communities
🌍 World Religions: Interfaith dialogue: principles and practice; religious pluralism; how to have respectful conversations across difference
🎓 Senior Seminar: College decision-making: comparing offers, financial aid packages, making the choice
Week 2: Religion and Social Justice
🕯 Hearth Circle: Justice as a spiritual practice; prophetic voices across traditions
📖 Language Arts: Portfolio compilation: selecting best work from K-12 journey
🔢 Mathematics: Pre-calc: application problems; real-world math; or Stats: case studies
🔬 Environmental Science: Environmental activism; movements, strategies, making change
🌍 World Religions: Religion and social justice: liberation theology, engaged Buddhism, prophetic traditions; faith in action
🎓 Senior Seminar: Transition planning: housing, roommates, what to bring to college/new home
Week 3: Religion in the Modern World
🕯 Hearth Circle: Navigating a pluralistic world; finding your voice
📖 Language Arts: Portfolio: artist statement and reflection; curating your journey
🔢 Mathematics: Pre-calc: preparing for calculus; study skills for college math; or Stats: preparing for research
🔬 Environmental Science: Future of environmentalism; emerging challenges and solutions
🌍 World Religions: Religion in the modern world: secularization, fundamentalism, spirituality vs. religion; trends and changes
🎓 Senior Seminar: Health and wellness: maintaining physical and mental health independently
Week 4: Science and Religion
🕯 Hearth Circle: Wonder and mystery; holding science and spirituality together
📖 Language Arts: Portfolio finalization; digital and physical versions
🔢 Mathematics: Pre-calc: final exam preparation; or Stats: final project polish
🔬 Environmental Science: Science communication; sharing environmental knowledge effectively
🌍 World Religions: Science and religion: conflict or complement? Evolution, cosmology, consciousness; finding harmony
🎓 Senior Seminar: Time management: balancing work, school, social life, self-care
Week 5: Death, Dying, and the Afterlife
🕯 Hearth Circle: Facing mortality; what different traditions teach; finding peace
📖 Language Arts: Capstone: final presentation dress rehearsal
🔢 Mathematics: Pre-calc: final exam; or Stats: final exam/project due
🔬 Environmental Science: Legacy and impact; what mark will you leave?
🌍 World Religions: Death and afterlife: how different traditions understand mortality; grief, hope, and meaning
🎓 Senior Seminar: End-of-life planning basics: wills, advance directives, having hard conversations
Week 6: Ostara Celebration & Synthesis
🕯 Hearth Circle: Ostara celebration; spring equinox; planting seeds for the future; gratitude and hope
📖 Language Arts: Reflective writing: my religious/spiritual journey; where I've been, where I'm going
🔢 Mathematics: Math reflection: growth over the year; preparing for future learning
🔬 Environmental Science: Environmental commitment ceremony; pledges for the future
🌍 World Religions: Synthesis: what have I learned about religion, spirituality, and meaning? How will I live my values?
🎓 Senior Seminar: Celebration of learning; sharing growth with family and mentors
📺 "Just Can't" Day Resources
Need a lighter day? These free resources cover unit topics through videos and interactive content.See supply list for optional purchases.
🏆 Capstone Milestone: Portfolio Complete
By the end of this unit, students should have:
- K-12 portfolio compiled and curated
- Artist statement/reflection written
- Presentation fully rehearsed
- Math final exam completed
- Post-graduation plans solidified