UNIT 3

THE MIDDLE EAST

Miranda, Joshua M.
ARGOSY COLLEGIATE
Course: Grade 7 Global Literacy
School Year: 2016-2017

Unit Name: Time: ESSENTIAL QUESTION

The Middle East 4 How does the Middle Easts geography, climate, and natural
WEEKS resources affect the way people live and work throughout its
various countries?

STANDARDS
Massachusetts Framework Standards
WA.1 On a map of the world, locate Western Asia, or the Middle East.
On a map of the Middle East, locate the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea,
Caspian Sea, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Arabian Peninsula, and the
Persian Gulf. (G)
WA.2 Use a map key to locate countries and major cities in the Middle
East. (G, E)
WA.3 Explain how the following five factors have influenced
settlement and the economies of major Middle Eastern countries. (G, E)
A. absolute and relative locations
B. climate
C. major physical characteristics
D. major natural resources
E. population size
WA.4 Identify when the countries in the Middle East became
independent nations and explain how independence was achieved. (H,
G)
O1 Describe the political and social status of women in selected
countries in Western Asia. (G, H, E)
O2 Describe major ethnic and religious groups in various countries in
Western Asia. (G, H, E)
O3 Compare the form and structure of government for Turkey, Saudi
Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, and Israel. (C)
United States Common Core Standards
RH.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary
and secondary sources.
RH.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or
secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct
from prior knowledge or opinions
RH.7: Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs,
photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print
and digital texts.
WHST.1: Write arguments focused on discipline-specific
content.
a. Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and
distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims,
and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant,
accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding
of the topic or text, using credible sources.
c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and
clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims,
reasons, and evidence.
d. Establish and maintain a formal style.
e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows
from and supports the argument presented
Course: Grade 7 Global Literacy
School Year: 2016-2017
ESSENTIAL UNDERSTANDINGS
FOCUS QUESTIONS
1. To what degree does religion shape
the social, cultural and political
climate of Middle Eastern countries?
2. Has Western political, economic and
military involvement helped or
hindered the growth of the Middle
East?
3. How have resources such as oil
created economic and military strife
in the region?
4. How has the international
community responded to political
and military challenges in the
Middle East and how successful was
this involvement?
5. How has the United States support
for Israel encouraged nuclear
proliferation and aggression towards
both Israel and the West?
6. What are some fundamental
differences between the treatment of
women in conservative Islamic
societies and the West?
UNDERSTANDINGS
The location of major physical features in the Middle East
The location of major nations in the Middle East
Water is scarce in the Middle East
Water is unequally distributed
The term scarcity refers to when you do not have enough of a particular
resource that it is demand
Many of the worlds oil reserves are located in the Middle East.
Some countries have more oil reserves than other countries.
Oil is a very valuable non-renewable natural resource.
The term Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total amount of goods and
services produced in a country in a year
Most people desire to live in favorable conditions (near fresh water, on flat
land, and near resources).
Modern transportation systems exist, but most people do not have access.
Ethnic groups share many common characteristics, such as language, physical
appearance, customs, and traditions.
Religious groups share a common spiritual belief system.
The major ethnic groups of the Middle East include Arabs, Persians, and Kurds.
The major religions include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Shia Muslims believe the leader should be a direct descendant of Muhammad.
Sunni Muslims believe the leader should be the most qualified individual.
Most Muslims in the Middle East are Sunni.
Saudi Arabias economy is based on the oil industry and has contributed
heavily to its economic growth.
Course: Grade 7 Global Literacy
School Year: 2016-2017

UNIT VOCABULARY
Iran Arab
Iraq Kurd
Israel Sunni
Turkey Persian
Afghanistan Islam
Saudi Arabia Judaism
Red Strip Christianity
Gaza Strip Diversity
Arabian Sea Shia Muslim
Suez Canal Ethnic Group
Persian Gulf Religious Group
Tigris River Monotheistic
Jordan River Holy Book
Euphrates River Place of Worship
Strait of Hormuz Belief System
Traditions
Hereditary Caliphate

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE SUMMATIVE
Exit Tickets Choice Project Board

Check for Understanding Paragraph Writing

Workbook Summary Writing

UNIT TEST
Course: Grade 7 Global Literacy
School Year: 2016-2017