Please note that these lesson plans are not developed by MEPC or TeachMideast and a listing of
a plan does not constitute an endorsement or approval of opinions or other listed content. The
plans may offer a great launching point for your lessons and help you to shape your own ideas.
Be aware that the lesson plans may not be fully aligned with the Common Core Learning
Standards, unless specifically noted.
Lesson Plans and Curriculum
100 Years in Mesopotamia: A Century of Conflict in Iraq, 1914-2014 by Jeremy Reinholt
Content: History and Geography
Subject: Iraq
Grade Level: High School and Adult

Lesson Plan
Accounting for Economic Growth: A Case Study of Turkey’s Economic Growth and
Political Influences on Turkey’s Future Economy
Grade level: Sixth-Twelfth Grade
Subject: World Cultures; Government and Current Affairs; Geography; Math and Sciences
Prepared by: James Redelsheimer, Armstrong High School, Plymouth, MN
Synopsis: This lesson introduces students to concepts relating to basic economics, including
GDP, factors affecting economic growth, and the data used in evaluating economies. Students
specifically learn about the Turkish economy and its growth in recent years, and develop skills to
compare economies throughout the world. They research topics that can be used to compare
standard of living between Turkey and other countries, such as health care, income, and
education, and then create a map of these indicators over time using Gapmider.org. Students also
explore Turkey’s unique economic position in the world today, and try to project how much the
Turkish economy will grow in the next few years given its current growth rate.
Source: TCF 2013 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
Afghanistan through Youth Literature by Lisa Adeli
Content: Literature
Subject: Afghanistan
Grade Level: Middle School
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1. Lesson Plan
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2. Afghanistan - Overview
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3. What the Book Is About?
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4a. Assignment - Interview
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4b. Assignment - Future
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4c. Assignment - Graphic Novel
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4d. Assignment - Survival Guide
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4e. Assignment - Rap Song
Agriculture and Food of Cyprus by Denise Reilly
Content: Science/Environment and Culture
Subject: Cyprus
Grade Level: High School

Lesson Plan
Algerian Folk Tales and Grimm's Fairy Tales
Content: Literature
Subject: Algeria/Tunisia/Libya
Grade Level: Elementary

Lesson Plan
All Roads Lead to Istanbul: 1550 World's Fair Simulation by Linda Waagen
Content: Geography and History
Subject: Ottoman Empire/Turkey
Grade Level: Middle School and High School

Lesson Plan
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Handout - Ottoman Empire 1300-1600
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Handout - Ottoman Contributions to the World
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Powerpoint
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Websites for Information
American Government Problem-Based Learning: Create a Government for Iraq by David
Rubin
Content: Current Events
Subject: Iraq
Grade Level: High School and Adult

Lesson Plan
Anatolia throughout History
Grade level: Tenth-Twelfth Grade
Subject: Advanced Placement World History, World History and Global Studies
Prepared by: Michelle Carolyn Neal Naylor, Orono High School, Minneapolis, MN
Synopsis: Anatolia throughout History, a website for educators teaching Advanced Placement
World History, World History and Global Studies. These lessons are designed to meet specific
standards addressed the AP World curriculum and Minnesota State Standards. Each lesson uses
Anatolia and its rich history to demonstrate a standard through a variety of educator techniques
from differentiation, to structured academic controversies.
Source: TCF 2013 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
Arab Civilization
Arab Cultural Exploration and Celebration Middle School Unit
Subject Area: Social Studies, Eastern Hemisphere; Art, Drama, Music
Grade: 6
Duration: 4-6 week (multidisciplinary) unit from October – November, culminating in 3
assemblies and an evening
cultural festival corresponding with the holidays Ramadan, Hanukkah and Christmas
Source: University of Michigan Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies
Arab World 1994 Contributions of Islamic Culture Lesson
Arab World 1994 Crusades Secondary Unit
Arab World 1994 Historical and Literary Secondary Unit
Arab World 1994 Units Preface
Art History Secondary Unit
Banquet at the Alhambra Secondary Ed Portfolio Authentic Project
Bias Toward Arab World and Islam 8th Grade Global Studies Unit
Changing American Teens' Images Arab World Secondary Lesson Plans
Challenge of Identity Pursuit of Meaning AP Lit and History Unit
Challenge of Identity and Pursuit of Meaning AP Lit and History Unit
Armenia in a Time of Change by Lisa Adeli
Content: History and Current Events
Subject: Armenia
Grade Level: High School
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Overview and Directions
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Fact Sheet 1
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Photo Set 1
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Fact Sheet 2
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Photo Set 2
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Fact Sheet 3
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Photo Set 3
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Student Writing Guide
Arts and Culture of the Berber Tribes of Morocco and the Sahara by Lorna Holmes
Content: Art and Culture
Subject: Morocco
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Lesson Plan
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Powerpoint
Arts of the Islamic World: A Teacher’s Guide
Designed by the Education Department of the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M.Sackler
Gallery, this unit highlights three categories of art: the book, mosque, and portable object.
Balkan Lesson Plan by Stacy Hercules
Content: History, Current Events
Subject: Balkans
Grade Level: High School, Adult
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The Balkans Overview Powerpoint
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Information to Accompany the Balkans Overview Powerpoint
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Brief History of Serbia Powerpoint
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Croatia Powerpoint
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Additional Lesson Suggestions for Teachers
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Additional Documents for Teachers to Acquire for the Balkan Lesson
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Primary Source Document - Battle of Kosovo Poetry
Primary Source Document - Additional Background for Battle of Kosovo Poetry
Primary Source Document - Battle of Kosovo Image
Primary Source Document - Notes Concerning the Legend of Kosovo
Primary Source Document - Slobodon Milosevic Speech
Primary Source Document - The Battle of Kosovo Epic Poetry
Primary Source Document - Tito Unity Quotes
YouTube Links
Black Gold by Ashlee Beckett
Content: Geography
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: Middle School
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Cover Page
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Lesson Introduction
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Black Gold Powerpoint
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Black Gold Notes Sheet
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Essential Questions - South West Asia Powerpoint
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Essential Questions - South West Asia Powerpoint 2
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Iraq
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Israel Group
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Newscast Directions
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Outstanding Oil
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Press Pass
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Saudi Arabia
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Turkey
The Blind Man and the Elephant by Laura Provencher
Content: Literature
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: Elementary
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Lesson Plan
Catalhoyuk – Archaeological Site Evidence
Materials included with the lesson plan: Notecards displaying facts about Catalhoyuk that
students use to make conclusions about the site (12 pages)
Grade level:
Subject: World History; World Cultures; Geography
Prepared by: Ethan Cherin, Central High School, St. Paul, MN
Synopsis: Students work in groups to draw conclusions from evidence found at an unnamed
archaeological site – later revealed to be Catalhoyuk, a Neolithic site located in central Turkey –
and assemble a broader understanding of what life was like in this settlement. They are given
notecards with pieces of evidence about the site, and they make conclusions concerning trade
and social conditions in the community prior to having the sight identified by the teacher, much
as archaeologists do in their own work. Following self-reflection and group discussion, together
they design communities that imitate the non-violent and non-hierarchical social structure of
Catalhoyuk and evaluate whether such a society could exist in the world today.
Source: TCF 2013 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
Children's Life in Armenia by Lisa Adeli
Content: Geography, Current Events, Culture
Subject: Armenia
Grade Level: Elementary
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Overview
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Armenia Presentation
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Presentation Notes
Compare and Contrast the Empires by Brian Croone
Content: History
Subject: Comparative
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
Compare and Contrast the Empires: Rome, China, and the Ottoman Empire
Grade Level: Tenth-Twelfth Grade
Subject: World History; World Cultures; Geography
Prepared by: Brian Croone, Stillwater Area High School, Stillwater, MN
Synopsis: Students compare and contrast the Ottoman Empire, the Roman Empire, and the
ancient empires of China, identifying and comparing similarities and differences between them.
They will examine each empire through lessons surrounding the “EGG RACER” (Education,
Geography, Government, Religion, Arts and Architecture, Culture, Education, Rise and Fall)
concept, with each student researching one or more of these areas per Empire and preparing
group presentations. Through subsequent discussions and reflections, students will be able to
make individual conclusions about how and why empires rise and fall, their interactions with one
another, and about the interconnectedness of the world throughout history.
Source: University of Arizona
Download This Lesson
Conflict Resolution Mini Unit by Jennifer Turner
Content: History and Current Events
Subject: Comparative and Cyprus
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Lesson Plan
Connecting Cultural Identity in Turkey and the U.S.
Grade: Eighth grade
Subject: Arts, Social Studies
Prepared by: Jenni Conrad, Hamilton International Middle School, Seattle, WA
Synopsis: This lesson allows students to develop often surprising realizations about their own
American culture as they more deeply investigate Turkish culture and national identity. As part
of a U.S. history course, this lesson encourages macro-level critical thinking about belonging and
citizenship, which fits naturally into government and civics units.
Source: TCF 2014 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
Contagion, Quarantines, and Cures in History: Case Study - the Ottoman Empire by Lisa
Adeli
Content: History, Geography, and Science
Subject: Ottoman Empire/Turkey
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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1. Lesson Plan
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2. Script
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3a. Written documents/maps
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3b. Images
Contagion, Quarantines, and Cures in History: The Ottoman Empire as a Case Study
Materials included with the lesson plan: Supplemental script for a play – “Contagion,
Quarantines, and Cures” (10 pages); Supplemental images (4 pages); Excerpts from primary
source documents (4 pages)
Grade level: High School and Adult/CollegeSubject: World History; World Cultures;
Geography; Math and Sciences; Government and Current Affairs; Arts and Literature
Prepared by: Lisa Adeli, PhD Candidate in History at University of Arizona Center for Middle
Eastern Studies, Tucson, AZ
Synopsis: Using the Eurasian frontier as a case study, students are introduced to the significance
of disease transmission and containment in history, as well as the connection these have to world
trade, military movements, population movements, and government social policies. Students are
first introduced to the topic through a read-aloud script, and will then work in small groups to
evaluate short primary source documents and develop their analytical skills. To conclude,
students conduct individual research related to public health.
Source: University of Arizona
Download This Lesson
Constantinople – Marketplace of the World
Grade level: Tenth grade
Subject: World History, Medieval History, Modern World History
Prepared by: Jon Lyman Parkin, Edwardsville High School, Edwardsville, IL
Synopsis: This lesson is a student-centered activity designed to lead a class through constructing
for themselves the role Constantinople (present-day Istanbul, Turkey) played integrating
European consumers and markets into an already-globalized network of trade through the silk
and spice trade routes. It can be used as a transitional activity in a Medieval World History
context, as an instructor moves from studying one major cultural region to another (e.g. Christian
Europe to Islamic Southwest Asia), or as an anticipatory introductory activity to set the stage for
European exploration and the concomitant colonization of major portions of the earth, at the
beginning of Modern World History, during the late-fifteenth and early sixteenth-centuries.
Source: TCF 2014 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
Contributions of Islamic Civilization by Saviz Safizadeh
Content: History
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: Middle School and High School
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Lesson Plan
Cross-Cultural Contact by Sarah La Brec
Content: Geography, Art and Culture
Subject: Morocco
Grade Level: Elementary and Middle School
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Title Page
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Lesson Plan
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Powerpoint Part 1
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Powerpoint Part 2
Cross-Cultural Exchange on the Trans-Saharan Trade Routes: A Cooperative GroupWork Mini-Unit by Anna Martin
Content: History and Culture
Subject: Morocco
Grade Level: Middle School
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Cooperative Unit
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Individual Reports
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Song #1
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Song for Activity Card #2
Crusade Perspectives by Maria Clymer
Content: History
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
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Powerpoint
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Written Sources
Cultural Diffusion: The Impact of the Middle East on the Balkans Powerpoint by Lisa
Adeli
Content: Culture
Subject: Comparative and Balkans
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Presentation
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Powerpoint Presentaion
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Bibliography
Culture versus Capitalism in Rural Morocco by Elorie Bechtel
Content: Economics
Subject: Morocco
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Title and Description
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Lesson Plan
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Powerpoint
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Handouts
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Appendix
Cyprus and "The Other" by Kristina Burbank and Lynn Galvin
Content: History and Geography
Subject: Cyprus
Grade Level: High School
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Title Page
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Lesson Plan Directions
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Teacher Notes
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Pre and Post - Test
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Pre and Post - Test Key
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Map - Eastern hemisphere
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Article
Worksheet
Worksheet Key
Word Wall List
Map - Greenline
Powerpoint
Cyprus Interdisciplinary Lesson by Julie Nedved and Jenn Muniz
Content: Geography, History, Current Events
Subject: Cyprus
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
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Powerpoint
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Mural
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Research Paper Scoring Guide
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Research Rubric
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Research Paper Grid
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Research Paper Topic Selection Goals and Objectives
Dartmouth Islamic Math and Art Connections Lessons
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Lesson 5, Art
Lesson 5, Math
Lesson 5, Art & Math Connections
These lessons teach the importance and influence of geometry on Islamic art.
Day at the Beach by Karen Lieneke
Content: Geography and Current Events
Subject: Israel/Palestine
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
Map Link
Map
Day in the Life of an Iranian Child by Shauna Little
Content: Culture
Subject: Iran
Grade Level: Elementary
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Class Powerpoint Presentation
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Teacher Instructions
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Powerpoint Script
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Learning Center 1a: Middle East Outline Map
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Learning Center 1b: Student Instructions
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Learning Center 2: Student Instructions
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Learning Center 3: Persian Writing
Digital Turkey: Contributions to the World’s Social, Political, and Cultural Heritage
Material included with the lesson plan: Introduction to Turkey worksheet (3 pages); Turkey
choropleth map assignment (2 pages); Turkey map worksheet (2 pages)
Grade level:
Subject: World Cultures; Geography; World HistoryPrepared by: Gabriel Valdez, Rosemont
Middle School, Fort Worth, TX
Synopsis: Students create a variety of digital products where they evaluate the social, political,
and economic contributions Turkey has made to the world; identify and explain the geographic
factors responsible for the composition of its population; evaluate the impact of geography on
economic development; and describe the common traits that define Turkish culture. First, they
collect several photos of Turkey from categories relating to the ABC’s of Culture (e.g. art,
buildings, communication, etc.), and they compile these images in one Animoto.com video is
shared online with their parents and fellow students. Then they create an online travel journal of
a proposed trip to Turkey, where they record their observations and reflections as they virtually
learn about and tour famous cities and sites in Turkey. Each activity is supplemented with
worksheets where students explore how geography, history, and culture affect one another.
Source: TCF 2013 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
The Diverse Roles and Aspirations of Middle Eastern and Muslim Women
Primary Source curriculum on Women's Voices in the Modern Middle East
Examining the Influence of the U.S. Constitution on the Iraqi Constitution Ratified in
2005 by Barbara Hall
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Content: Politics
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Subject: Iraq
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Grade Level: Middle School and High School
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Irvine, CA
Examining the Influence of the U.S. Constitution on the Iraqi Constitution Ratified in
2005 by Barbara Hall
Content: Politics
Subject: Iraq
Grade Level: Middle School and High School
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Lesson Plan
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Attachment 1
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Attachment 2
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Attachment 3
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Attachment 3 - Key
Exploring Stereotypes through Literature and Poetry by Tim Flanagan
Content: Literature
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: Middle School
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Lesson Plan
Exploring Stereotypes with Aladdin: This versatile lesson can be used with classes from
middle through high school to enable students to understand how stereotypical images and
assumptions can be buried in the most common and innocuous-seeming social artifacts. Classes
will use the Disney film Aladdin as a vehicle for uncovering and discussing the effect of
stereotypes in society.
Exploring Turkey through Online Collaboration by Susan Kopecki and Maria Avery
Content: Geography, History, Art
Subject: Turkey, Comparative
Grade Level: Middle School
Note: This is a series of lessons and activities developed by some fabulous educators and posted
on a blog.
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Link to blog
Florentine and Ottoman Women of the 14th – 16th Centuries: A Comparative Curriculum
Unit by Louise Forsyth
Content: History and Culture
Subject: Comparative and Ottoman Empire
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Lesson
Footprints Across Cyprus: A Virtual Fieldtrip of Cyprus' Landscape and Culture by Diane
Godfrey
Content: Culture
Subject: Cyprus
Grade Level: Middle School and High School
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Lesson Overview
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Cyprus Slideshow
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Cyprus Rain Image
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Slideshow Music
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Student Materials: Blank Map
Student Guide Cyprus, Postcard Book Directions, The Grand Tour Reading
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Teacher Materials: Partner Checklist, Postcard Book Assessment, Postcard Book
Directions, and Teacher Guide Cyprus
The Geography of the Great Empires: Holy Roman and Ottoman
Grade Level: High School
Subject: World History; World Cultures; Geography
Prepared by: Barbara S. Williams, Arizona Geographic Alliance, Tucson, AZ
Synopsis: Students engage in a comparison of the sixteenth century Ottoman and Holy Roman
Empires and learn to identify and compare their similarities and differences as well as understand
their interconnectedness. They explore the many shared characteristics of the two Empires and
evaluate the Empires’ combined impact on the world today. Students break into groups that
represent each Empire and research individual topics, the results of which they will report back
to the class while acting in the character of their respective Empire and topic.
Source: University of Arizona
Download This Lesson
The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews during the Holocaust
Content: History and Literature
Subject: Holocaust
Grade Level: Middle School
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Lesson
The History of Imperialism: The Anatolian Peninsula
Materials included with the lesson plan: Presentation with instructions for creating the Turkish
Women’s History Booklet (10 pages); Imperialism of Anatolia PowerPoint presentation (31
pages)
Grade level: Ninth-Twelfth Grade
Subject: World History; World Cultures
Prepared by: Terry Buehner, Burlington High School, Burlington, VT
Synopsis: The idea of a modern nation developed during a period of large-scale imperialism, and
this lesson introduces how the two concepts are connected over time. Students first explore the
question of whether the legacy of twentieth century imperial nations has had positive and lasting
effects on former colonies. Working in pairs, students choose two historical characters from a
pre-selected list to research (e.g. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Winston Churchill). They prepare a
rehearsed conversation between the two characters highlighting their imperialist actions and
nationalist work as well as any contrasts between the philosophies and legacies of the two
leaders, and will then perform the conversation for classmates. Finally, students write a term
paper that highlights the nationalism of one country and compares it to the development of
nationalism in Turkey.
Source: TCF 2013 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
How Do We Learn About Ancient Civilizations?
Grade level: Sixth Grade
Subject: World Cultures; World History
Prepared by: Karen Rahn, Madison Middle School, Madison, SD; Mary Johnson, Groton
Middle School, Groton, SD
Synopsis: Students are exposed to the period of history when humans were transitioning from a
life of hunting and gathering to one of settling in sedentary and permanent communities. One of
the first where this happened was Catalhoyuk – a Neolithic site that is one of the oldest known
human settlements in the world and is currently being excavated in central Turkey – which this
lesson uses to illustrate the process of piecing history together over the course of an
archaeological excavation. The archaeological process is first simulated to students by prompting
them to make conclusions about only partially visible images, and how these conclusions change
as larger portions of the picture are revealed. Students then explore images and video of the
Catalhoyuk excavation, through which they begin to evaluate the importance of the site, what the
material found there means, and why it is valuable for the work to continue. They present their
research findings and analysis in an essay composition and accompanying presentation.
Source: TCF 2013 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
How History Shaped Literature and How Literature Changed History: Serbs and the
Battle of Kosovo by Lisa Adeli
Content: Literature and History
Subject: Balkans and Ottoman Empire
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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1. Title Page
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2. Assignment Description for Teachers
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3. Assignment Sheet for Students
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4. Who Are We
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5. Heroes of Serbia (Literature)
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6. Questions and Answers
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7. Background - Sarajevo 1914
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8. Background - Kosovo 1990s
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9. List of Scenarios
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10. Suggested Websites
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11. Task Sheet
Importance of Cyprus During the Crusades by Jeremy Church
Content: History and Geography
Subject: Cyprus
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
In Search of Aphrodite’s Rock by Heather Kiser
Content: Literature and Geography
Subject: Cyprus
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Procedures
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Story Pictures
Cyprus Map
Cyrus Map Key
The Story of Aphrodite
The Story of Hala Sultan Tekke, Questions and Answer Key
The Story of St. Hilarion Castle, Questions and Answer Key
The Founding Story of Salamis, Questions and Answer Key
The Story of Pygmalion and Galatea, Questions and Answer Key
The Love Story of Pyramus and Thisbe, Questions and Answer Key
The Story of Saint Catherine, Questions and Answer Key
The Story of Saint Nicholas of the Cats, Questions and Answer Key
Introduction to Islam by Roxanne Taylor and Jayme Taylor
Content: Culture
Subject: Religion
Grade Level: Middle and High School
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Lesson Plan
Introduction to Islam Powerpoint by Lisa Adeli
Content: History
Subject: Religion
Grade Level: Middle School and High School
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Class Powerpoint Presentation
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Teacher Instructions
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Powerpoint Notes
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Bibliography
Iranian Hostage Crisis by Julie Nedved
Content: History
Subject: Iran
Grade Level: Middle School and High School
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Lesson Overview
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Case Assignment
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Group Roles and Responsibilities Form
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Iran Hostage Crisis Research
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Iran Notes
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Iran Research
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Powerpoint Presentation
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Presentation Rubric
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Research Rubric
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Iran Map
Iranian New Year by Lisa Adeli
Content: Culture
Subject: Iran
Grade Level: Elementary
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Class Powerpoint Presentation
Teacher Instructions and Notes
Iran, Iraq - What's the Difference? Powerpoint by Lisa Adeli
Content: Culture
Subject: Iran, Iraq and General Middle East
Grade Level: Middle School, High School and Adult
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Lesson Plan
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Powerpoint
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Presentation
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Song #1
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Song #2
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Song Slide #1
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Song Slide #2
Islam by Dara Weller
Content: Geography, History, and Culture
Subject: Religions
Grade Level: Middle School and High School
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Lesson
Islam Fact and Fiction: Overcoming Stereotypes by Saviz Safizadeh
Content: Culture
Subject: Religion
Grade Level: Middle School and High School
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Lesson
Islamic Women by Chris O'Brien
Content: History and Culture
Subject: Religion and General Middle East
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Lesson Plan, Question Sheet and Documents #1
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Lesson Plan, Question Sheet and Documents #2
Iznik Tile Design by Michelle Molnar
Content: History and Art
Subject: Ottoman Empire/Turkey
Grade Level: High School
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Iznik Tile Lesson Plan
Art History Worksheet
Iznik Design Photos 1
Iznik Design Photos 2
Kite Project (Creative Response to Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner by Farhana Hoque)
Content: Literature
Subject: Afghanistan
Grade Level: High School
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Project Plan
Kite Runner by Robert Mossman
Content: Literature
Subject: Afghanistan
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
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Introduction Sheet #1
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Introduction Sheet #2
Kurds: People without a Country by Lisa Adeli
Content: History, Geography and Current Events
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Assignment Description
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The Kurds: A History
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Presentation Notes 1
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Presentation
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Topics for Research
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Research Guide
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Pros and Cons Sheet
Lesson on Islam by Pren Woods
Content: Culture
Subject: Religion
Grade Level: Middle School
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Lesson Plan
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Audio File
Little Black Fish: A Persian Story by Lisa Adeli
Content: Literature and Culture
Subject: Iran
Grade Level: Middle School
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A. Lesson Plan
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B. Pre-reading Assignment
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C. Introducing the Reading - Notes
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D. Introducing the Reading - Powerpoint
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E. Story
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F. Reading Comprehension Questions
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G-1. Creative Response Instructions - Booklet
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G-2. Creative Response Insturctions - Performance
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G-3. Creative Response Instructions - Creative Writing
Maslow's Hierarcy of Human Needs and Naguib Mahfouz's Midaq Alley by Omar Hakim
Content: Literature
Subject: Egypt
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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1. Overview
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2. PowerPoint
Measuring the Travels of Two Adventurers: Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta by Cheryl Wiens
Content: History, Geography, and Math
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: Middle School
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Lesson Plan
Handouts
Middle East and North Africa by Debra Ballweg
Content: History, Geography, and Culture
Subject: General Middle East, Religion
Grade Level: High School
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Title page and description
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1. Map Activity
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2. Newspaper Article
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3. Blog Assignment
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4. Religion Voice Thread
Middle East Debates by Chris Sperry
Content: Current Events/Politics
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: High School and College/Adult
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1. Lesson Plan
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2. Intro. to Parents
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3. Video Clip
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4. Roles
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5. Lesson Plan Details
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6. News Quiz Model
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7. News Quiz Guidelines
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8. Delicious
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9. Literature Choices
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10. Outline Model
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11. Outline Model Human Rights
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12. Point of View Writing
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13. Research Update
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14. Debate Protocol
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15. Speech Prep
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16. Moderator Script
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17. Invite to Parents
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18. Press Release for TV
19. Self-Evaluation
20. Student Comments
Middle Eastern Money by Lisa Adeli
Content: Science and Current Events/Politics
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: Elementary
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Assignment Description
Currency Conversion Sheet
Math Worksheet
Math Worksheet Answer Key
Currency Powerpoint
Notes to Slides
Social Studies Group Handouts:
Afghanistan
Egypt
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Jordan
Morocco
Saudi Arabia
Syria
Turkey
Middle East Water Issues – “Got water?”
Grade: Tenth grade
Subject: World Geography
Prepared by: Sara Lea, Rocky Mountain High School, Fort Collins, CO
Synopsis: Students will be able to understand how globalization influences the interaction of
people on Earth; how do cooperation and conflict influence the division and control of the social,
economic, and political spaces on Earth; what predictions can be made about human migration
patterns, as well as how technologies result in social change.
Source: TCF 2014 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
Moroccan Specialty: Pigeon Pies, Camel Rides, and Mosques by Jeannine Kuropatkin and
Cheryl Wien
Content: Culture
Subject: Morocco
Grade Level: Middle School and High School
Teachers:
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Powerpoint Presentation 1
Powerpoint Presentation 2
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Binko Tag Team Assignment
Lesson Plan Title Page
Slide Show Notes Part 1 Key
Slide Show Notes Part 2 Key
Slide Show Notes Part 3 Key
Slide Show Notes Part 4 Key
Map Answer Key
Regions Handout Key
Postcard 1
Postcard 2
Postcard 3
Postcard 4
Postcard 5
Postcard 6
Postcard 7
Postcard 8
Postcard 9
Postcard 10
Postcard 11
Postcard 12
Postcard 13
Postcard 14
Postcard 15
Students:
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Middle East Map
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Regions Handout
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Slide Show Notes Part 1
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Slide Show Notes Part 2
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Slide Show Notes Part 3
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Slide Show Notes Part 4
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Writing Assignment
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Aid Zitoun
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Call to Prayer
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Danse Atlas
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Djemaa
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Marhabat
Morocco: Storytelling, A Window Into Culture by Jessica Setzer
Content: Foreign Language (French) and Culture
Subject: Morocco
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
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Article
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Plan de Leçon : La culture et société Arabe Powerpoint
Morocco: Understanding through the Elements by Kimberlee Johnsen
Content: Geography
Subject: Morocco
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson
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"Is It Africa?" Powerpoint
Mosaics of Cyprus by Greg Burch
Content: Art
Subject: Cyprus
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
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Powepoint Presentation
Mosque Design by Jessica Silverman
Content: Art and Culture
Subject: The Ottoman Empire and Religion
Grade Level: Middle School
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Lesson Plan
Muslim Holocaust Rescuers by Lisa Adeli
Content: History
Subject: General Middle East, Balkans and Holocaust
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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1. Assignment Description
2. Photo Presentation
3. Lecture Notes
4. Review Game Answer Key
Cards 1a & b
Cards 2a & b
Cards 3a & b
Cards 4a & b
Cards 5a & b
Cards 6a & b
Cards 7a & b
Cards 8a & b
Cards 9a & b
Cards 10a & b
Cards 11a & b
Cards 12a & b
Cards 13a & b
Cards 14a & b
Cards 15a & b
Cards 1c & 2c
Cards 3c & 4c
Cards 5c & 6c
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Cards 7c & 8c
Cards 9c & 10c
Cards 11c &12c
Cards 13c & 14c
Cards 15c
5. List of Topics
6. Research Questions and Writing Guide
7. Bibliography of Suggested Readings
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and the Creation of the Turkish Nation
Grade level: Ninth-Twelfth Grade
Subject: World Cultures; World History; Government and Current Affairs
Prepared by: Orah Bilmes, Alvarez High School, Providence, RI
Synopsis: Students explore the notion of nation building through the lens of the founding of the
Turkish Republic, and compare it with other world leaders who also shaped the identities of their
nations. Following lessons on the Turkish War of Independence and the components of the
Turkish constitution, students explore and evaluate the characteristics of Turkey’s founder,
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and the values and ideals that he instilled in the Turkish Republic. They
then work in groups to identify other world leaders and describe the nations built by these
individuals. Finally, students compare and contrast one of these leaders to Ataturk using
biographical information and evidence from the nations where the leaders held power.
Source: TCF 2013 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
My Silk Road Journey by Sharlyn Scott
Content: History and Geography
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: High School
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1. Assignment description
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2. Required Writing
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3a. Character #1
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3b. Character #2
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3c. Character #3
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3d. Character #4
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3e. Character #5
My Silk Road Journey Project
Materials included with the lesson plan: Required writing prompts (5 pages)
Grade level: Tenth Grade, Regular and/or Honors World History Class
Subject: World History; World Cultures; Geography
Prepared by: Sharlyn Scott, Desert Vista High School, Tempe, AZ
Synopsis: Following previously completed lessons examining the Byzantine Empire, the rise of
Islam, and the Tang through Ming era in China – in which students will be introduced to the
background and history of the Silk Road – students will begin to examine the Silk Road in more
detail. They will create a travel diary for a character on the Silk Road (character biographies are
provided) that accurately depicts the history and various cultures throughout the area, and will
conduct independent research that will add details to the diary. Ultimately, students will learn to
recognize the different cultural identities of the Silk Road, evaluate the interactions of people and
civilizations along the Silk Road, and understand how it facilitated an interconnected world over
many centuries.
Source: University of Arizona
Download This Lesson
Nasreddin Hodja: Turkish and Middle Eastern Folklore Philosopher by Joyce Daigle
Content: Literature, Culture
Subject: Ottoman Empire/Turkey
Grade Level: Elementary
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Lesson
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Powerpoint
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Speech Script
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Hodja Borrows a Pot
The Neolithic Village
Grade level: Tenth-Twelfth Grade
Subject: World History; World Cultures; Geography
Prepared by: Shawn Santasiere, E.O. Smith High School, Storrs, CT
Synopsis: Students learn to identify the main elements of a civilization and how daily life in
several important ancient civilizations differed from today. They work in small groups to design
their own Neolithic settlements, working to address factors that might curb the survival their
creations. Then, from a series of readings and class discussions they determine what their
settlement needs in order to become a thriving civilization. Finally, they compare their
settlements with the cultural and historical features of Catalhoyuk, an ancient community located
in central Turkey that is one of the oldest known Neolithic sites in the world, and use these
comparisons to make predictions about the vitality of their own designs.
Source: TCF 2013 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
Night of the Moon by Laura Provencher
Content: Literature and Science
Subject: Religion and General Middle East
Grade Level: Elementary
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Lesson
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Read-Aloud
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Exploring Phases of the Moon
Homophones and Homonyms
Ottoman Empire - Legitimizing Power Stations Lesson Plan
Grade level: Ninth - Tenth Grade
Subject: World History, World Civilizations
Prepared by: Kim Young and Susan Bairstow, Weston High School Massachusetts
Synopsis: This lesson plan introduces students to various systems, structures and power centers
within the Ottoman Empire to explore how this Empire legitimized its power and reached its
peak. An accompanying PowerPoint presentation focuses on infra and superstructures to give
students a thorough understanding of the physical and social diffusion of power within the
Empire.
Source: TCF TST 2011 Participant, Fulbright Turkey Participant
Download This Lesson
Ottoman Empire News Broadcast by Jennifer Turner
Content: History
Subject: Ottoman Empire
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson
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Warm Up 1
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Images of the Ottoman Empire 1
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Images of the Ottoman Empire 2
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Lesson 2
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Warm Up 2
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Broadcast Directions
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Broadcast Topics
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Debriefing
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Group Critique
Ottoman Empire News Broadcast, Lesson 1 – “Who were the Ottomans”?
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Materials included with the lesson plan: Images and maps from the Byzantine and
Seljuk Empires (Lesson warm-up, 13 pages); Images of the Ottoman Empire PowerPoint 1
(10 pages); Images of the Ottoman Empire PowerPoint 2 (9 pages)
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Grade level: High School
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Subject: World History; World Cultures; Geography
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Prepared by: Jennifer Turner, Carl Hayden High School, Phoenix, AZ
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Synopsis: Students learn critical thinking skills as they analyze images of the Ottoman
Empire and identify
important aspects of the civilization. Following a previously completed lesson on the
Byzantine Empire, students discuss the foundation of the Ottoman Empire and recognize
its defining features. Finally, they are tasked with comparing and contrasting the Ottoman
Empire with a previous empire that occupied the region that was covered earlier in the
course.
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Source: University of Arizona
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Download This Lesson
Ottoman Empire News Broadcast, Lesson 2 – “News Broadcast Live from the Palace and
on the Streets”
Materials included with the lesson plan: Images and maps from the Byzantine and Seljuk
Empires (Lesson warm-up, 13 pages); Images of the Ottoman Empire PowerPoint 1 (10 pages);
Images of the Ottoman Empire PowerPoint 2 (9 pages); Group presentation critique form (1
page); Ottoman Empire debriefing PowerPoint (9 pages)
Grade level: High School
Subject: World History; World Cultures; Geography
Prepared by: Jennifer Turner, Carl Hayden High School, Phoenix, AZ
Synopsis: Students examine the era when the Ottoman Empire dominated much of the Middle
East (16th to 18th centuries) through discussions as well as independent and group exploration.
Following introductory work on the nature of the Ottoman Empire covered in Lesson 1, they will
conduct group research on a topic related to the Ottoman Empire and then synthesize it into a
script to be used for a news broadcast-style presentation. They will incorporate contrasting
viewpoints on the policies and actions of sultans and others in the Ottoman Empire within the
presentation, and will evaluate others’ presentations to conclude the lesson.
Source: http://cmes.arizona.edu/outreach/lessons
Download This Lesson
Ottoman Empire Unit by Stacy Hercules
Content: History, Culture, and Geography
Subject: Ottoman Empire and Balkans
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Lesson Plan
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Ottoman Empire 1 Powerpoint
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Ottoman Empire 2 Powerpoint
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Powerpoint Notes
The Ottoman Era: Thirteenth-Twentieth Centuries
Materials included with the lesson plan: Research paper grading rubric (1 page)
Grade level: Tenth-Twelfth
Subject: World History; World Cultures; Geography
Prepared by: Jim Price, Colchester High School, Colchester, VT
Synopsis: This lesson gives students a basic overview of Ottoman history and culture. Following
previous lessons on Byzantine history, they examine the Ottoman Empire from its rise to its fall
and analyze how it was able to dominate southeastern Europe from the fifteenth through the late
nineteenth centuries. Based on class discussions and individual research and using PowerPoint
and other presentation software, students create oral presentations about the Ottoman Empire on
such topics as significant events, instances of territorial expansion or loss, and Ottoman culture.
They then write a research paper that includes primary source document analysis. Over the
course of the lesson, they are introduced to the geography of Turkey, and develop the skills to
evaluate and appreciate the complexities of the balance of power in Europe throughout history.
Source: TCF 2013 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
“Ottoman Exposition”: 1550
Grade: Eleventh grade
Subject: World History
Prepared by: Theresa Martinez Flannery, Wheat Ridge High School, Wheat Ridge, CO
Synopsis: The objective of this lesson is to understand the cultural, economic, political, social,
geographic and artistic achievements and challenges of the Ottoman Empire. The students will
choose from various cultural, political, social and artistic topics to research, illustrate and
present, such as Ottoman literature and poetry, architecture, religion, contributions to the world,
economics, and trade partnerships.
Source: TCF 2014 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
Ottoman Geography Lessons: “What’s in a Name?”, “Eye of the Beholder”, and “People
and Places” by Brenda Bonine
Content: Geography and History
Subject: Ottoman Empire and Balkans
Grade Level: High School
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Lessons Overview and Instructions
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Photo Powerpoint
Ottoman Hard vs. Soft Power
Grade level: High School
Subject: Geography, History, Ottoman Empire
Prepared by: Karen Michels, Beacon High School, New York, NY
Synopsis: Students explore the question of whether the Ottoman Empire relied more on force or
on the power of attraction in its ability to control its expansive territory and diverse population.
Students will examine maps of the Empire over time in order to appreciate how the Empire
changed, and examine and discuss the various elements of the Empire that allowed it to maintain
its power and influence for so long. Through both individual and group work, they will also
break down the history of the Ottoman Empire into manageable segments, allowing them to pull
out common, overarching themes that were present throughout the history of the Empire.
Source: University of Arizona
Download This Lesson
Ottoman Lesson Plan by Karen Michels
Content: Geography and History
Subject: Ottoman Empire
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
Ottoman Lyric Poetry by Danita Dodson
Content: Literature and History
Subject: Ottoman Empire
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
Palestine/Israel - 1948: One Event, Two Perspectives by Samia Shoman
Content: History and Geography
Subject: Israel/Palestine
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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1. Lesson Plan
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2. Context (place within the unit)
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3. 1948 - document analysis
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4. 1948 narrative - CP copy
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5. Document A
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6. Document B
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7. Document C
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8. Document D
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9. Document E
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10.Debrief and Analysis
Palestinian - Israeli Conflict - A Lesson in Perspective Powerpoint by MaryLynne Fillmon
Content: History and Current Events
Subject: Israel/Palestine
Grade Level: High School
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Powerpoint
Palestinian-Israeli Issue/High School English by Lisa Adeli
Content: Literature and Current Events
Subject: Israel/Palestine
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Lesson Plan - Teacher's Directions
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Background to the Conflict
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Amos Oz Memoir
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Conflict and Compromise Since 1948
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Ibtisam Barakat Memoir
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Poems
Palestinian-Israeli Issue/High School Social Studies by Lisa Adeli
Content: History and Current Events
Subject: Israel/Palestine
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan Part 1 - Teacher's Directions
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Lesson Plan Part 2a - Background to the Conflict
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Lesson Plan Part 2b - Conflict and Compromises Since 1948
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Lesson Plan Part 3a - Israeli Children's Views
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Lesson Plan Part 3b - Palestinian Children's Views
Peace and Perspective through Poetry by Tina Anima
Content: Literature and Current Events
Subject: Israel/Palestine
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
Rubric
Persian New Year Math - Lesson Plans for Grades 2, 3, & 4 by Lisa Adeli
Content: Math, Geography, Culture
Subject: Iran and Central Asia
Grade Level: Elementary School
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1a. Assignment Description - Grade 2 (Persian New Year Math)
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1b. Assignment Description - Grade 3 (Persian New Year Math)
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1c. Assignment Description - Grade 4 (Persian New Year Math)
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2. No Ruz - Short Overview for Teachers
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3a. Read Aloud Story - Grade 2 (Persian New Year Math)
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3b. Read Aloud Story - Grade 3 (Persian New Year Math)
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3c. Read Aloud Story - Grade 4 (Persian New Year Math)
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4a. Illustrations for the Story - Grade 2 (Persian New Year Math)
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4b. Illustrations for the Story - Grade 3 (Persian New Year Math)
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4c. Illustrations for the Story - Grade 4 (Persian New Year Math)
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5. Bibliography (Persian New Year Math)
Postwar Reconstruction by Lisa Adeli
Content: Current Events/Politics
Subject: Afghanistan
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Assignment Description
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Elements of Post - War Reconstruction
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Guide Sheets on Post - War Reconstruction:
 Security
 Humanitarian Relief
 Governance
 Infrastructure
 Economy
 Social and Cultural Institutions
Preserving the World’s Most Iconic and Important Sites: Turkey
Grade level: Ninth-Twelfth Grade
Subject: World Cultures; World History; Geography; Government and Current Affairs
Prepared by: Mark Gabriel, Hamden High School; Hamden, CT
Synopsis: Students learn about ancient civilizations in Turkey as they craft an argument
attempting to persuade UNESCO to donate funds for the preservation of a Turkish historical site
of their choosing. Throughout the lesson, they explore questions regarding the importance of
saving historic sites, why civilizations rise and fall, and how the ancient and modern worlds
interact today. Their final project will include the creation of a pamphlet or brochure about the
site they choose as well as a presentation where they will employ a persuasive argument as they
try to convince their classmates – who will evaluate each other’s work and vote for the best
presentation – to choose the site for UNESCO sponsorship.
Source: TCF 2013 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
Proportions and Ratios in Turkey
Grade level: Ninth Grade
Subject: Math and Sciences; World Cultures; Geography
Prepared by: Marsha Mallinger-Ruben
Synopsis: Students learn problem-solving skills related to ratios, proportions, and percents while
applying these concepts to aspects of Turkish culture and history. They work through problems
that involve determining actual distances on a map of Turkey and the true sizes of Turkish
symbols using a scale, determining costs of items in Turkey versus the U.S. using proportions
and the exchange rate, and calculating perimeter and area using measurements images that depict
Turkish carpet and symbols.
Source: University of Arizona
Download This Lesson
Ramadan: A Muslim Holiday by Lisa Adeli
Content: Culture
Subject: Religion and General MIiddle East
Grade Level: Elementary
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Overview/Lesson Plan
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Class Powerpoint Presentation
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Notes on Pictures
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Fact Sheet: Ramadan
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Activities
Ratios and Proportions in Turkey by Marsha Mallinger-Ruben
Content: Science
Subject: Turkey
Grade Level: Middle School
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Lesson Plan
Read Aloud Literature by Vicki Waxman
Content: Literature
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: Elementary
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Lesson Plan
Reality Check: You Won’t See These Muslims on TV by Benjamin Breault
Content: Current Events and Culture
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: High School
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Cover Page
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Unit Plan
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Lesson Plans
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Pre-Test
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Turkish and Syrian Cities Powerpoint
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Who Are Muslims? Powerpoint
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Hate Crimes in the News Powerpoint
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Post-Test
Region by Any Other Name by Janet Hall
Content: Geography
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Lesson Plan
Self Test - "Your Islam Quotient": A great exercise as a pre-test that elicits a lot of useful
discussion. You will quickly get a sense of how much knowledge students have about Judaism,
Islam and Christianity.
Sharing Jerusalem's Landmarks by David Cedor
Content: Culture
Subject: Israel/Palestine
Grade Level: Middle School and High School
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Lesson Plan
Shark Tank - Middle East Competition by Lisa Adeli
Content: Geography and Research/Writing
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: High School
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Assignment Description
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Introductory Presentation
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Countries List
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Project Guidelines for Students
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Presentation Judging Sheet
The Spice Trade
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Grade: Ninth to Twelfth grade
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Subject: World History
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Prepared by: Lynne Johnson, Thomas Jefferson High School, Edina, MN and Paul
Hoelscher, Clayton
High School, University City, MO
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Synopsis: The lesson addresses how the spice trade changed over time. It will address the
role of Turkey in
this trade, how the Europeans impacted the trade in the Age of Exploration, as well as
introduce students to
the Istanbul Spice Market and the Caravanserai, emphasizing the significance of Turkey
and the Islamic
world in the spice trade.
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Source: TCF 2014 Teacher Study Tour Participants
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Download This Lesson
Sports, Politics, and Social Change in the Modern Middle East by Lisa Adeli
Content: History, Culture, and Current Events
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: High School
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1. Lesson Plan
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2. Script
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3. Articles
Students Writing Poetry Inspired by the Work of Palestinian-American Naomi Shihab
Nye by Betsey Coleman
Content: Literature and Culture
Subject: Israel/Palestine
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
Sunni, Shii’a, Sufi and Alevi; Different ways of “seeing” Islam
Grade: Tenth grade
Subject: World History
Prepared by: Sandy Armstad, Fergus High School, Lewistown, MT
Synopsis: The main objectives of this lesson will be for the students to learn some of the main
ideas and beliefs of Islam, its history, its important people, and its ways of worship and then to
learn about and discuss the similarities and differences in the different sects/groups of Islam. The
students will also, hopefully, gain a better understanding of how these differences have affected
and continue to affect Islam and the world, especially the Middle East (Iran and Iraq in
particular) today.
Source: TCF 2014 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
Teaching the Book Tasting the Sky by Patricia Hutchinson
Content: Literature and Geography
Subject: Israel/Palestine
Grade Level: Middle and High School
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Lesson Plan
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Maps:
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Israel - Jordan
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West Bank
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Mediterranean Region
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Novel Quotes:
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1-3
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4-5-6
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7-8-9
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10-11-12
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13-14-15
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16-17-18
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19-20-21
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22-23-24
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25-26-27
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28-29-30
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31-32-33
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Readings:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Pictures:
Roofs of Ramallah
Source: University of Arizona
Teach Ottoman Empire by Abbey McNair
Content: History and Geography
Subject: Ottoman Empire and Balkans
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Lesson Plan
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Powerpoint
Teaching Unit on the Trans-Saharan Trade, 700-1450 C.E by Thomas Holmes
Content: History and Geography
Subject: Morocco and Comparative
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Cover Page
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Abstract, Lesson Overview, Materials
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Saharan Trade Study Guide
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Lesson #1
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Article #1
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Article #2
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Enrichment Opportunity
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Lessons #2 and #3
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Powerpoint: Berber Nomads
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Powerpoint: Food
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Powerpoint: Jewish Quarter
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Powerpoint: Oases
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Powerpoint: Timbuktu
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Powerpoint: Slave Market
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Trans-Saharan Journal
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Lesson #4
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Lesson #5
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Bibliography and Website
Teenage Assassins and the Outbreak of World War I by Lisa Adeli
Content: History
Subject: Balkans
Grade Level: High School
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Assignment Description
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Young Bosnia - overview
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Values
Decision-Making
Read-Aloud Script
Thin Ice Encompassed by Increasing Fire: Conflict and Struggle for Human Rights in the
Middle East by Catrina Pelton
Content: History and Current Events
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Lesson Plan
This I Believe -The Politics of Identity and the Headscarf in Modern Turkey by Wendy
Youngblood
Content: Current Events and Culture
Subject: Ottoman Empire/Turkey and Religion
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Lesson Plan
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Powerpoint
Tiles for the Sultan by Gili Sherman
Content: Art
Subject: Ottoman Empire
Grade Level: Elementary
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Lesson Plan
Tuning in to Turning Points by Lisa Adeli
Content: History
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
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Scoring Guide
Source: University of Arizona
Turkey: Bridge Between East and West by Carole Barnes and Barbara Martin
Content: Geography
Subject: Ottoman Empire/Turkey
Grade Level: Middle School
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Lesson Plan
Source: University of Arizona
Turkey: Culture, Diversity, History
Grade level: Tenth Grade
Subject: World Cultures, World History, Government and Current Affairs; World Religions
Prepared by: John Gallup, Arvada High School, Arvada, CO
Synopsis: Students learn how events, geography, and religion might affect cultures and societies,
and then analyze such influences on Turkey’s history and modern culture. After examining a
world timeline created by the teacher covering such subjects as government, art, culture, science,
religion, and daily life throughout world history, groups of students create a similar timeline
focusing on the same subjects in Turkey. Through this activity, students develop critical thinking
skills that they will use to evaluate issues such as how politics and government shape one
another, how art reflects the culture in which it was created, the importance of religion in society,
and how culture changes over time.
Source: TCF 2013 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
Turkey Joining the European Union by Sigma Colon
Grade level: Ninth-Twelfth Grade
Subject: World History; World Cultures; Government and Current Affairs; Arts and Literature
Prepared by: Sigma Colon, PhD Candidate in American Studies, Yale University, New Haven,
CT
Content: Literature and Current Events
Subject: Ottoman Empire/Turkey
Grade Level: High School
Synopsis: Students examine aspects of Turkish culture and identity and discuss some current
issues faced by Turkey through researching Turkish candidacy to the European Union. In
readings and lectures followed by the completion of a research, persuasive paper evaluating the
candidacy, students will engage with the evidence and claims involved in the main arguments for
and against Turkey joining the EU, and will learn to recognize how aspects of Turkish culture
and identity relate to all sides of the issue. They will cultivate and be able to articulate an
informed position on the issue by confronting commonly held misconceptions and evaluating
both sides of the debate.
Source: University of Arizona
Download This Lesson
Turkey Lesson Plan
Grade: Second and Third grade
Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies, Geography
Prepared by: Patricia Nies and Sally Roof, Kiser PreK-8 School, Dayton, OH
Synopsis: Children will compare Turkey’s maps, photographs, rugs, food and folk tales with the
ones from their own culture and will come to the conclusion that, while we are different, we are
actually very much alike.
Source: TCF 2014 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
Turkey Trip by Chris Walden - Jones
Content: Geography and Current Events
Subject: Ottoman Empire/Turkey
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
Turkish Cities as a Model of Human Civilization
Material included with the lesson plan: Introduction to the geography of Turkey PowerPoint
presentation (9 pages)
Grade level: Tenth-Twelfth Grade
Subject: Geography, World Cultures; World History
Prepared by: Kathy Blessing, Boulder High School, Boulder, CO
Synopsis: Following lessons on cities and what the growth of cities has meant for human
civilization, students investigate the significance of the city in Turkey. They apply various
theories about how and why cities form and what conditions are needed for a city to develop to
ancient and modern Turkish urban centers. During the lesson, students are introduced to Turkey
and its environment, and then in groups they compare their own city to assigned Turkish cities,
which culminates in their assigning the Turkish cities to a specific model of city formation,
analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the available models, and justifying their rationale.
Source: TCF 2013 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
Turkey's Need for Dams
Grade level: Seventh to Twelfth Grade
Subject: Geography
Prepared by: Jay Nelson
Synopsis: Dams are crucial to Turkey’s agricultural production. Students will identify the impact
of the construction of dams on the Anatolia Plateau, map locations of major dams and identify
their impact on economic development, irrigation, power and flood control. This lesson is to be
taught using the technology through We Explore.
Source: TCF 2014 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Turkey Trip by Chris Walden - Jones
Content: Geography and Current Events
Subject: Ottoman Empire/Turkey
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson Plan
Source: University of Arizona
Turkish Delights: Hodja Tales by Cheryl Wiens
Content: Geography and Literature
Subject: Ottoman Empire/Turkey
Grade Level: Elementary
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Lesson Plan
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Handouts
Universal Thematic Study through the Moroccan Cultural Lens by Omar Hakim
Content: Culture, Art, and Literature
Subject: Morocco
Grade Level: High School and Adult

Lesson Plan
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Story
Unraveling the Rug - Comparing the Richly Diverse Regions of the Ottoman Empire by
Jeff Mann
Content: History and Geography
Subject: Ottoman Empire and Balkans
Grade Level: High School
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Overview
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Powerpoint 1
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Powerpoint 2
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Powerpoint 3
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Powerpoint 4
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Powerpoint 5
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Powerpoint 6
Use of Symbols in Egyptian Religion: Ancient, Coptic Christianity, and Islam by Sharlyn
Scott
Content: History and Art
Subject: Egypt
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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1. Lesson Plan
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2a. History of Religion - Lecture Notes
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2b. History of Religion - Student Guide
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2c. History of Religion - Powerpoint
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3a. Symbols in Egyptian Religion - Powerpoint
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3b. Symbolism Essentials
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4a. Student Project - Worksheets
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4b. Student Project - Images
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4c. Image Guide for Teachers
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5. Information on Symbols in Egyptian Religion
Virtual Field Trip to Turkey by Kate Mahady
Content: Geography and Culture
Subject: Ottoman Empire/Turkey
Grade Level: Middle School and High School
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Teacher Instructions
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Virtual Field Trip Questions
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Virtual Field Trip Powerpoint Presentation
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References
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Turkey Logos
A Visit to Hagia Sophia
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Full lesson packet is too large to include on the website, and is available on CD ROM.
Contact the
publisher (University of Arizona) for information on how to receive the CD.

Materials included with the lesson plan: Teacher instruction notes (2 pages); Student field
journal (16
pages); Mosaic Template (1 page); Venn Diagram comparing Christianity and Islam
using Hagia Sophia (1
page); Hagia Sophia timeline worksheet (2 pages); Vocabulary sheet (5 pages);
Summative writing
assessment prompts (1 page)
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Grade level: Middle and High School
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Subject: World History; World Cultures; Geography; Arts and Literature
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Prepared by: Jim Hauf, Berkeley Middle School, St. Louis, MO
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Synopsis: Students embark on a virtual visit to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.
While “touring”,
students engage in activities related to the geography, history, art, religion, and
architecture of the
Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. As they learn more about the Empires, they are able to
focus on what
they find most interesting and ask and answer their own questions based on what they
observe in the tour.
Through the virtual tour portal, students learn about this important landmark and broaden
their experience
with it through virtual recreations, individualized tasks, and personal reflection.

Source: University of Arizona

Download This Lesson
Water in the Desert by Jennifer Jenkin (Note: There is another, elementary school, lesson
with the same title.)
Content: Science and Geography
Subject: Comparative
Grade Level: Middle School and High School
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Lesson Plan
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Powerpoint
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Bubble Map
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Dead Sea Webquest
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Double Bubble Map
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RAFT Writing Assignment
Water in the Desert by Jennifer Valentine (Note: There is another, high school, lesson with
the same title.)
Content: Science and Geogrpahy
Subject: Morocco
Grade Level: Elementary
(NOTE: THE FULL POWERPOINT WITH ALL ITS FEATURES IS TOO BIG FOR
THIS WEBSITE. CONTACT CMES FOR A FREE CD WITH THE FULL LESSON!)

Title Page

Lesson Overview

Water Use - Initial Reflection
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Water Use Activity
Powerpoint 1
Powerpoint 2
Powerpoint 3
Powerpoint 4
Script for Powerpoint
Final Reflection
War and Remembrance by Lisa Adeli
Content: History and Art
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: High School and Adult
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Assignment Description
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Presentation Notes
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Wars in the Modern Middle East
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Powerpoint Slides of memorials
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Research Guide
What is a Civilization? A case study on Çatal Höyük
Grade: Ninth to Twelfth grade
Subject: World History
Prepared by: Sarah Arneson, Central High School, Saint Paul, MN; Kim McVey, Arapahoe
High School, Littleton, CO and Bret Thayer, Arvada West High School, Arvada, CO
Synopsis: Çatal Höyük presents an interesting study for students of history as it lies between the
hunting-gathering communities of the Paleolithic period and the first cities of Sumer in
Mesopotamia. Students will have an opportunity to examine the evidence discovered at Çatal
Höyük and decide for themselves whether this community can be best characterized as precivilized or civilized.
Source: TCF 2014 Teacher Study Tour Participants
Download This Lesson
What Is Going on Here? An Inquiry Lesson in Current Events in the Muslim World by
Caryn W. Stedman
Content: Research/Writing and Current Events
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: High School and Adult

Lesson and Handouts
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Powerpoint
What is Sacred Space in Turkey?
Grade level: Ninth-Twelfth Grade
Subject: World History; World Cultures; World Religions; Arts and Literature
Prepared by: Christine LaRue, Elgin High School, Elgin, IL; Kimberly Ann Rogers, the
Episcopal School of Dallas, Dallas, TX
Synopsis: Student work with the concept of sacred space by learning the history and beliefs of
Islam and sacred Islamic sites in Turkey, and comparing it to the history of Christianity within
Turkey and throughout the world. They confront their own personal conceptions of sacred space,
and through group and class discussion develop a more detailed and comprehensive description
of what the term “sacred space” entails. In preparation for a final essay project on the subject,
they also identify several examples of sacred space in Turkey. Finally, they compose a paper
describing two examples of such space in Turkey, of which one is not associated with the
Western religious tradition, and then discuss how each space accommodates both the religious
beliefs and practices within the associated culture.
Source: TCF 2013 Teacher Study Tour Participant
Download This Lesson
Where in the World Is the Middle East? An Action Research Approach by Adrianne B.
Everton
Content: Geography
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: Middle School and High School

Lesson Plan
World War I in the Middle East - Diaries, Documents, and Diatribes by Lisa Adeli
Content: History and Literature
Subject: General Middle East
Grade Level: High School and Adult

Lesson Plan

Overview
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Document Analysis Sheet
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Documents - Diaries and Memoirs
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Documents - Photos and Artwork: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
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Newspaper Accounts - Article 1, Article 2, Article 3, Article 4, Article 5, Article
6, Article 7, Article 8.
Writing on the Wall: A Lesson on Palestine and Israel by David Huebner
Content: Current Events/Politics
Subject: Israel/Palestine
Grade Level: High School
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Lesson
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Video Study Guide