District 11 Educational Support Services
Social Studies


Grade 7, The Eastern Hemisphere to 1450 C.E.
The Growth of Islam 600 - 1400 AD

Overview
View the Video Introduction. Throughout its history the Middle East has been a major center of world affairs. It is also the geographic origin of three of the world’s great religions - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. In this unit, you will discover how the events of the Middle East in ancient times still impact world events today. You will explore the conflicts that led to transfer of power over the years. You will also see how the natural resources of this region influenced historic events and growth of empires.

Rigor and Relevance Rating: Quadrant C Assimilation - provides opportunities for students to analyze and apply information within a discipline.
Career Connection: This course introduces students to the types of work performed by Sociologists and Historians.
For Teachers
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Daily Lessons 8 9 10

Enduring Understandings - important ideas that students should carry with them years beyond the instruction received this year.

  • Religious beliefs and philosophical ideas change societies.
  • Technological developments have impacted individuals and societies throughout history.

Essential Questions - most important “big picture” questions students should be able to answer after completing learning activities.

  • What are the major beliefs of Islam?   How do these beliefs impact Muslim life?
  • What major Islamic contribution to science, mathematics and literature had the greatest impact on society? 
District 11 curriculum is designed to prepare and equip students to be successful in the 21st Century. Curriculum resources and lessons included here have been aligned to the Colorado Standards for each content area. In addition, the entire program has been aligned with the knowledge, skills, and learner attributes the Partnership for 21st Century Skills promotes as necessary for success in the 21st Century. You will see the highlighted core values embedded in these lessons and activities.
 
A Academic Preparedness: the foundation required for either higher education, or high-wage, high skills jobs
C Cultural Competence: the ability to understand and interpret political and cultural events from multiple perspectives in a global society, a core competency in 21st Century Skills
H High-Functioning Team Member Skills: collaboration is a core competency in 21st Century Skills
I Innovative Thinking and Problem Solving Skills: a core competency for 21st Century Skills
E Effective Use of Information Technology: a core competency for 21st Century Skills
V Vital Participation in Civic Responsibility: "share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society" Standards for the 21st-Century Learner from American Library Assoc.
E Effective Communication Skills: a core competency for 21st Century Skills

Middle School D-11 Social Studies Indicators 
History
4. Science, Technology, and Economic Activity: Identify and explain changes in technology and evaluate their impact on historical events.
6. Religious and Philosophical Ideas: Describe religious beliefs and philosophical ideas, and how they changed societies.

Grade 7 Conceptual Vocabulary

Visual Thesaurus - use the approved District 11 login and password to the right: Login is ms68@d11.org and the password is middle2009

alliance
architecture
civilization
culture
empire
monotheism
oral tradition
philosophy
primary/secondary sources

Research confirms that students must have at least 6 opportunities through varied means to experience the same vocabulary before it can be applied. Here are 6 sample methods for teaching the vocabulary for this unit: These examples are endorsed by the Mid-Continental Research in Education Laboratory (McREL) Six Step Strategy to Improving Vocabulary. Read more about Research on Teaching Vocabulary.
Step 1: Teacher Defines Word 
Step 2: Student Defines Word with Examples
Step 3: Student Identifies or Designs a Visual Representation
Step 4: Practice With Games
Step 5: Practice Application
Step 6: Apply in Written and Oral Communication

Step 1-3:
 Frayer Model for Vocabulary

Step 4: Vocabulary Bingo

Step 4 - 5:  

Step 3-4: PowerPoint Partners Game Vocabulary Review

Steps 1, 2, 4: Quizlet

Step 6: Writing Assignment

Sample Units

District 11 Diamond Units/Lessons Overview - includes information about the purpose, goals and structure of these sample instructional units:

Lesson 8:  The Beginnings of Islam
Duration:  2 -3 days
       
Standards/Indicator:  History 6:  Describe religious beliefs and philosophical ideas, and how they changed societies.
Enduring Understanding:  Religious beliefs and philosophical ideas change societies.
Essential Question:  What are the major beliefs of Islam?   How do these beliefs impact Muslim life?
 Assessment:  What are the major beliefs of Islam?   How do these beliefs impact Muslim life?

Activities

  1. Read Medieval Times To Today pages18-21 (Headings: The Arabian Peninsula and The Prophet Muhammad) and take notes about Muhammad and the rise of Islam. How did Muhammad follow his mission from God?

  2. Watch video clip: The Rise of Islam (4:10) and take notes.

  3. Writing Assignment: You are a Bedouin herder at the time of Muhammad. Write a speech to deliver to fellow Bedouins.  Tell why you think Muhammad's teachings will help improve your life.

  4. Watch the video clip: Islam, A Challenge to Christianity (4:04)

Differentiation
Support (RtI tiers 2 & 3):  Read “Links to Economics” in Medieval Times To Today page 20.  Draw a comic strip that illustrates how merchants bought and sold items on credit. 
Extensions:  Complete the Writing Activity on page 23 in Medieval Times To Today .
Research the Shrine of the Rock in Jerusalem. Read about the Shrine of the Rock and write a description. 
Permission granted to use this material  by Teacher Curriculum Institute, June 2008

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Lesson 9:  The Beginnings of Islam
Duration: 2-3 days
       
Standards/Indicator:   History 6:   Describe religious beliefs and philosophical ideas, and how they changed societies.
Enduring Understanding: Religious beliefs and philosophical ideas change societies.
Essential Questions:  What are the major beliefs of Islam?   How do these beliefs impact Muslim life?  What are two beliefs shared by Jews, Christians, and Muslims? 
Assessment:  What are the major beliefs of Islam?   How do these beliefs impact Muslim life?  What are two beliefs shared by Jews, Christians, and Muslims?

Activities

  1. Watch video clip: Islam: A Challenge to Christianity (4:04), and take notes.

  2. Read Medieval Times To Today pages 21-23 and take notes on Islam.

  3. Watch video clip: Muslim Ramadan: The Holiest Festival (2:25) and take notes.

  4. Writing Assignment: A friend has has asked you to explain the Muslim religion. Write a letter describing the Five Pillars of Islam.

  5. Watch video clip: Honoring Temple to Three Religions (3:44) and take notes.

  6. Complete "Focus on Bedouin Life" pages 24-25.

Differentiation
Support (RtI tiers 2 & 3):  Read Medieval Times To Today page 21 “The Five Pillars of Islam”.  Draw five pillars or columns and write the five pillars of Islam.  Make an illustration for each pillar.
Extensions:  Research Ramadan, the fourth pillar of Islam. 
http://www.submission.org/ramadan/about-R.htm   Make a poster with the important facts about Ramadan.

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Lesson 10:  The Golden Age of Muslim Civilization
Duration:  3 days
         
Standards/Indicator:  History 4:  Identify and explain changes in technology and evaluate their impact on historical events
Enduring Understanding:   Technological developments have impacted individuals and societies throughout history.
Essential Questions:   What major Islamic contribution to science, mathematics and literature had the greatest impact on society? 
Assessment:   What major Islamic contribution to science, mathematics and literature had the greatest impact on society?
Unit Assessment:  Complete Medieval Times To Today page 31-32.

Activities

  1. Watch the video clip: Islam (28:00) and take notes.

  2. Islam’s golden age was a time of greatness. Copy the timeline from Medieval Times To Today on page 26 and read pages 26-30. Fill in the timeline and take notes on the Islamic achievements.

  3. Write an acrostic poem, using the words “Golden Age”. Include achievements of the Golden Age.

  4. Watch the video about the Lost Temple of Angkor Wat in Asia.

  5. Discuss the Essential Questions for this lesson as a class, then write your own summary paragraph answering each question. Use the Four Point Rubric as a guide so you know how your response will be graded.

  6. Continuous Improvement Process - Your teacher wants feedback on this unit so it can constantly be improved. Print the Continuous Quality Improvement Survey and answer each question, or answer online.

Differentiation 
Support (RtI tiers 2 & 3):  Make a poster advertising a traveling exhibit of Islam’s golden age.  Include historic details and artifacts of Islam.
Extensions:  Create a mosaic to summarize key details on Islam’s golden age and the contributions to science, math, and literature.  Use pages 28-30.  The mosaic should include an appropriate title, at least five sections, key words or phrases for each section, and a picture.  

Supplemental Education Resources:  Read the selection about Khayyam’s Poems and complete the activity.
Read the tale “Sinbad the Sailor” from The Thousand and One Nights.  What is the moral of the story?  How did the sailor become wealthy?  Draw a picture to illustrate the moral.
Permission granted to use this material by Teacher Curriculum Institute, June 2008

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