Mardi Gras 2-Hour Lesson Plan for High School

Mardi Gras Lesson Plan – Exploring Global Carnival Traditions (Grades 9–12)

Bring history and culture to life with this engaging Mardi Gras Lesson Plan! Students explore the origins, traditions, and global significance of Mardi Gras and Carnival celebrations while developing critical thinking and cultural literacy skills. Perfect for World History or Cultural Studies, this 120-minute lesson connects religion, art, music, and social studies in one dynamic classroom experience.

What’s Included

• 120-Minute Lesson Plan (detailed teacher guide)
• Printable Student Worksheet (with complete answer key)
• Discussion prompts and critical thinking questions
• Group research activity: Global Carnival comparison
• Creative extension options (mask design, sustainability, music analysis)
• Standards alignment and teacher notes on cultural sensitivity

How It Works in the Classroom

• Ideal for whole-group instruction or independent research projects
• Encourages collaboration through group presentations and discussions
• Easily adaptable for in-person, hybrid, or digital learning
• Includes formative and summative assessments
• Promotes meaningful dialogue about culture, religion, and inclusion

Standards & Learning Goals

Students will:
• Analyze the historical and religious origins of Mardi Gras
• Identify and interpret symbols, colors, and traditions
• Compare global Carnival celebrations (Brazil, Italy, Germany, Trinidad, and more)
• Examine social and economic impacts of festivals
• Evaluate issues of cultural appropriation and representation

Why Teachers Love It

• Rich, multicultural content that meets cross-curricular goals
• Thoughtfully designed to promote inclusion and cultural respect
• Ready-to-use structure saves hours of prep time
• Encourages creativity, discussion, and global awareness

Help your students celebrate and study world cultures in a meaningful, academic way — download this Mardi Gras Lesson Plan today and make cultural history come alive in your classroom!