Middle East Lesson Plans

Young scholars explore the concept of stereotyping. They observe images and media that portray the Middle East and its inhabitants. Students make determinations about the impact of the images on their perceptions. They consider ways to overcome these stereotypes.

Students explore forms of government in the Middle East. In this government systems lesson, students watch videos, listen to lectures, and explore websites regarding the forms of government in the Middle East

Fourth graders locate and label the area of the world referred to as the "Middle East". They locate Saudi Arabia. Students express comparisons between Utah as a dessert and the "Middle East" as a desert. They get a better appreciation for the roles, norms, values, and sanctions which guide the behavior of individuals and groups within a society.

Students examine the role of the Islamic religion in the Middle East and around the world. They determine that Muslims believe that Islam is a way of life and analyze information on Islamic movements to create both a written and oral report.

Students describe physical and human characteristics of North Africa and the Middle East, plot on a map areas populated by nomadic people in those areas, explain importance of filigree jewelry in Arab culture, and create their own jewelry.

Young scholars explore the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.  In this World History lesson, students research a key person that was involved in the Arab-Israeli conflict over the past several years, then create a timeline of main events of the conflict. 

Learners color the Middle East Nations of OPEC on outline maps. They discuss and watch a video about the United States reliance on oil producing nations of the Middle East. They participate in a discussion of the problems of the gas crisis of 1973.

Learners critically examine the life and contributions of Lawrence of Arabia to the modern Middle East. They view a video on Laurence of Arabia. Students discuss the movie. Learners create a propaganda posters or stories identifying the characteristics of Laurence of Arabia. They compare and contrast military and political leadership of World War I.

Students explore Middle East tensions. In this Israel and Palestine lesson, students research Internet and print sources regarding the history of conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians. Students also watch a video pertaining to the topic and write journal entries from the perspective of both ethnic groups.

Students investigate the lifestyle of Gandhi by creating a Venn Diagram.  In this biographical activity, students compare the philosophies of Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi while discussing their teaching methods.  Students utilize the web to research Pakistan and Afghanistan before creating a Venn Diagram based on Gandhi and MLK.