The distinction between Shiite and Sunni Muslims is an often misunderstood concept, yet very important for its implications in global affairs and for a more comprehensive understanding of the religion of Islam.

Explore ethnicity and identity with a research and writing assignment. Class members conduct online research, looking in particular at images and carefully noting down their sources on notecards. They read about identity and compose...

How do major religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, differ in how they view the role of individual freedoms within society, the definition of morality, and the importance of politically satisfying the greater...

Learn about the ancient Near East through a close examination of ancient artifacts. Lead your class into analysis by first observing an artifact as a class. Pupils can then work in pairs to analyze the other artifacts and compile a list...

Seventh graders analyze three monotheistic religions as an appreciation of the Middle East. In this world religions lesson, 7th graders analyze the beliefs and the leaders of the three major religions. Students research a topic and...

Students study primary source document that describe the beginnings of the Middle East conflict. They survey the connections that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have to Israel.

Middle schoolers are introduced to the concept of three Abrahamic religions and complete the Comparative Religion Exercise. They view slides after taking their best guesses and read the article, "The Path to Peace Runs Through a History...

A video and magazine article provide the foundation for learning about Islam and why some Muslims are angry with Western society. In groups, students identify the causes of hostility and prepare a presentation that explains them. While...

Islam is often discussed socio-politically rather than spiritually. Here, high schoolers read about this religion from primary and secondary sources including the Quran and a world religions book. They learn key terms in the context of...

How do you solve a conflict that's been around for so many years? Scholars discover the viewpoints of stakeholders in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during an emotionally charged simulation. A facilitator moderates discussions between...

Tenth graders examine the physical and cultural impressions made by water in the Middle East, as well as their own lives, through exercises in reading, writing, geography and art. They explore how water as an economic good drives...

Stereotyping and discrimination based on religion catalyze many atrocities in the world. Explain the awful treatment of Jews and the lies Nazis spread by using an informative yet sensitive resource. Learners participate in a warm-up and...

Learners read and discuss the Iran country Profile from the CIA World Factbook. They describe the current relationship between the United States and Iran. Students complete additional readings, and answer questions about them. They...

How does the Qur'an detail the role of women? What modern social issues are linked to Islamic law? Address these questions with your young historians through close analysis of primary and secondary source documents.

Pupils explore the pros and cons of government-sponsored media into a war-torn country and determine whether the news will be considered information or propaganda.

What archaeological evidence remains of ancient Egyptian burial and mortuary practices, and what can this information tell us about ancient Egyptian society?

After reading about the legal status of women in the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt and doing some additional research, your young historians will work in groups to develop short skits that reflect a typical gender-role related scenario...

Students explore technology used in making movies. For this movie making lesson, students investigate how technology has improved in the entertainment industry. Students discover how simple tools are combined together to make complex...

Students view a documentary on Confucius. He is revered as one of the greatest teachers in history. Confucius' name is synonymous with ageless wisdom. After viewing, students discuss what they saw then complete writing and art activities...

Students discuss the pre-reading focus questions. In this reading lesson, students discuss and explore the book cover and title. Students predict what they will learn from this book. Additionally, students read to find out what life is...

Students compare and contrast different works of Asian sculptural forms and use visual clues to analyze those works. Evaluation for this activity is done on the second class day with each student creating a drawing of an American sculpture.