Third and fourth graders at Newark Center for Creative Learning created a museum display as the culmination of a month-long study of world religions.

On November 3, the school gym was filled with exhibits representing Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and other religions. Gregorian chants filled the air and patterns of colored light filtered through the handmade “stained glass” windows.

On display were illustrated reports on such topics as the Eight-Fold Path of Buddhism, the doctrine of yin and yang, Hanukkah and the Japanese Shinto religion. Books and religious artifacts, including prayer candles, icons, a Buddhist Bodhi leaf and photographs of Islamic carved boxed were featured.

Students served as museum docents.

Visitors also were treated to a buffet of challah, rugelach, apples, honey, dates, figs, hummus, rice, pizelles and other celebratory foods prepared and served by the students.

In preparation for the museum displays, the students not only didi the usual research but also visited several local places of worship and listened to guest speakers.

“We often use a museum to share our ideas and work at the end of a unit of study.” said Nora Vadala. “It’s a great way for children to talk about their work and share artifacts that we’ve made or collected.”

The Newark Center for Creative Learning located on Phillips Ave. in Newark, has an enrollment of 90 students in first through eighth grade.