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Majestic Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is an enormous mausoleum in Agra, India. Students will explore its history and create a 3D replica of this magnificent marble structure.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Paper
  • Recycled Cardboard
  • Recycled Cardboard Box
  • Recycled Cardboard Tube

Steps

  • Step 1

    The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his beloved wife. Ask students to research its history. How long did it take to construct? What material was used? What is the architectural style? Have them look at images of this magnificent structure whose shimmering marble seems to change color depending on how natural light hits it.

  • Step 2

    Have students create a 3D replica of the Taj Mahal. They can use recycled boxes as the base and illustrate the features on paper that they will glue to the boxes. They can create additional parts of the structure out of recycled paper towel tubes and recycled cardboard.

  • Step 3

    Ask students to present their 3D models and discuss some of the facts they learned about the Taj Mahal.

Standards

SS: Culture: Create, learn, share, and adapt to culture. 

SS: Time, Continuity, and Change: Analyze the causes and consequences of past events and developments, and place these in the context of the institutions, values and beliefs of the period in which they took place. 

Adaptations

The Taj Mahal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Have students investigate other World Heritage sites such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, The Great Wall of China, Cathedral of Notre Dame in France, Masada in Israel, Petra in Jordan, or any others.

Have students research other notable structures in India such as Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (India's largest Hindu Temple), or the Lotus Temple (Baha'i House of Worship).