Humanism: a natural origin and a precious planet
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how humanists describe the origins of the world and why they try to care for it.
Key learning points
- Humanists believe that humans are part of nature and not separate from it.
- Humanists believe that our actions can have an impact on animals and the planet.
- Some humanists use their reason and empathy and choose to be vegetarian as a result of their ethics.
Keywords
Evidence - proof supporting a claim
Reason - use of logic and facts to make sense of the world
Empathy - understanding and sharing the feelings, thoughts and experiences of another person
Connection - the responsibility and care a person might feel towards something or someone
Common misconception
The word humanism means that humanists are only interested in other humans.
Humanism is a worldview that see humans as part of the natural world. Humanists are concerned with all life on earth.
Teacher tip
There are some fabulous books for primary children that tell the story of evolution and the big bang. You might want to consider reading those to the class. You may want to split this lesson into two and focus first on the origins and look at the second part as a separate lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Why do humanists believe there is only one life?
Q2.Humanists believe we should find and meaning in life.
Q3.What is the symbol used by humanists?
Q4.Why do humanists try to be positive?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to its meaning:
the responsibility and care a person might feel towards something
use of logic and facts to make sense of the world
understanding the feelings, thoughts and experiences of another person
Q2.How might humanists try to help the planet?
Q3.Some humanists become because they care about animals and want to reduce harm.
Q4.Humanists believe that humans are part of , not separate from it.
To help you plan your 5 religious education lesson on: Humanism: a natural origin and a precious planet, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 religious education lesson on: Humanism: a natural origin and a precious planet, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 religious education lessons from the Humanists: How can you lead a happy and meaningful life? unit, dive into the full primary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.