10th Grade Advisory- World Issues and Social Justice
Lesson 3: What’s the story with the Middle East?
Objectives: SWBAT determine the geographic area of the Middle East.
SWBAT understand the basis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
SWBAT recall the 3 major monotheistic religions and their formations in the Middle East.
Materials: worksheet, map, chart paper (or elmo or projected screen) pens or pencils. COLLECT MAPS
TO USE AGAIN IN LESSON 4.
2 min
5 min
10 min
10 min
1 min
Students should fill in the top box of their worksheets with anything that comes to
mind when they hear the term “middle east”.
When students have completed filling in the box for the Middle East they should
share out their answers. Be sure to highlight when students say answers like
“religion” “war” “conflict” “Arab/Muslims” “Jews” “Israel” we will come back to this
later. Try to draw out what they already know about this area.
Map Skills
Give students the map of the Middle East. Have them answer questions 1-6 on the
worksheet using the map. Share out. Allow for any discussion.
Worksheet Question 7
Have students write their answers to question 7 on the worksheet. As you may have heard
there has been a lot of political, social, cultural and economic conflict in the Middle East
throughout history. Why do you think religion has been a big part of this? Then share out and
discuss. Answers should be directed to the idea that the Middle East is the birthplace of the
3 main monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) and all of their holy lands are
located in these areas (Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Mecca) IF STUDENTS ARE UNABLE TO
PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION, PLEASE GIVE IT TO THEM.
Locate Israel
Have students locate Israel on the map.
5 min
Reading
Have students read independently or read aloud the passage about Israel/Palestine.
10 min
Comprehension Questions
Either have students answer the questions independently and then share out, or work
together to answer the comprehension questions a-f on the worksheet.
Rest of
class
Discussion
Allow students to discuss any thoughts or questions about Israel or Palestine. Use the
focusing question:
Why do you think this conflict continues to be a problem today? Is there an easy solution that works for
everyone? Why or why not?
DON’T FORGET TO COLLECT THE MAPS TO USE AGAIN IN LESSON 4!!!!!!