I know about the city of Babylon and why it was important to Mesopotamia. Babylon was the center of the Babylonian empire. Its location made it a crossroads of trade making it a very rich city. They developed roads that made it easier to trade.

I know about the Phoenicians, their accomplishments, and contributions. The Phoenicians were masters of trade, selling dyes and dense cedar wood. They used the Mediterranean Sea to spread their trade. The Phoenicians developed a simple alphabet, the Phoenician Alphabet, with just 22 symbols making it easy to learn than cuneiform.

I know the location of Mesopotamia and why civilization began there. Mesopotamia was located in an area called the Fertile Crescent between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The rivers created very rich farmland. People in the Middle East tended to settle in river valleys or near an oasis. They developed a system of writing called cuneiform which is a combination of symbols to make groups of wedges and lines.

I know about the development of writing systems in Southwest Asia, and which writing system helped more people learn to read and write. The Sumerians developed a system of writing called cuneiform which is a combination of symbols to make groups of wedges and lines. This developed over time and was usable in many languages. The Phoenicians later developed the Phoenician Alphabet which made it easier to learn to read and write.

I can explain the contributions of Hammurabi. Hammurabi organized a list of laws that were known as Hammurabi’s code. This was the first time that laws were written down. The code told the people of Babylonia how to settle conflicts in all areas of life.

I know the 5 pillars of Islam. a. Declaration of faith – proclaiming belief in one God and Muhammed is his messenger b. Prayer – reciting prayers five times a day c. Almsgiving – giving charity d. Fasting – not eating or drinking during the day during Ramadan e. Pilgrimage – making the hajj to Mecca once in a lifetime

I know the sacred sites for Islam, Christianity, Judaism. Islam – Mecca in Saudi Arabia – holy city, destination of the hajj The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem – spot where the Islamic prophet Mohammed ascended into heaven Christianity – Jordan River in Israel– where Jesus was baptized Judaism – Western Wall /Wailing Wall in Jerusalem– remaining wall of the second temple of Jerusalem, destroyed by Romans All three religions view Jerusalem as a sacred city.

I know religious holidays for Islam, Christianity, Judaism Islam Ramadan – a month of fasting, Muslims purifying their soul through prayer and self sacrifice Christianity Christmas – Celebrating the birth of Christ Easter – Christ rising from the dead. Judaism Passover – celebrates Moses leading the slaves out of Egypt Yom Kippur – fasting and atonement (asking for forgiveness of their sins)

I know dietary and cultural restrictions for Islam, Christianity, Judaism Islam – in a conservative Islamic culture, drinking alcohol, eating pork, and woman being in public without a veil is forbidden Christianity (Catholics)* – no eating meat during lent on Fridays Judaism – only eating kosher foods

I know the origin, founder, and basic beliefs of all three monotheistic religions Islam and Christianity adopted many of the ideas of Judaism, including the Israelites belief in one God. Christianity began with the death of Jesus Christ. Their supreme being is referred to as God Islam began with the prophet Muhammad wrote the Quran Their supreme being is referred to as Allah. Judaism began when Abraham led the Israelites to believe in one God. Their supreme being is referred to as Yahweh.

I know what the following terms mean: Shariah, Pilgrimage, Hajj, Communion, Kosher, Baptism, Synagogue, Mosque, Jihad, Monotheism, Polytheism, and Script. Shariah – name for Islamic law Pilgrimage – a religious journey Hajj – pilgrimage made by Muslims to Mecca Communion - the bread represents the body of Jesus and the wine represents his blood Kosher – foods that conform to the rules of Jewish dietary laws Baptism – represents the accepting of God in the Christian religion Synagogue – a Jewish place of worship Mosque – a Islamic place of worship Jihad – “struggle” striving in the way of Allah (Muslim) Monotheism – belief in a single god Polytheism – belief in many gods Script – ancient writing

I can explain how Dubai is modifying its environment. Dubai is creating artificial islands in the oceans as well as creating numerous tourist sites to bring in tourist from all over the world.

I understand why water is so important to the Middle East I understand why water is so important to the Middle East. Water is a valuable natural resource crucial for drinking and irrigation. Its value has led to many conflicts in the region. Some countries attempt to take salt out of ocean water, a process known as desalinization.

I can describe the physical geography of Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia was located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in an area called the Fertile Crescent. It is East of the Mediterranean sea and Northwest of the Persian Gulf. It has large areas of flat, fertile land.

I can identify the source of current tensions between Arab and Jews. After WWII Jewish people were allocated Palestine as their homeland. Palestinians living there and other Arabs were not accepting of this. Violence and struggle continues there today as both sides claim the area as their home land and their holy land.

I can identify what some countries have done to diversify their economic pursuits rather than rely on oil. Bahrain and Dubai have become regional banking centers.

I can explain why Southwest Asia is often called the Middle East. It is the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe.

I can identify the impact of Middle East oil on the region’s relationship with countries in the Middle East and the relationship with the rest of the world. Many countries, including the United States, strive to keep a good relationship with oil producing countries to have access to their oil. Oil producing countries can impact world economy through their oil prices giving them much influence in world events.

I can explain Hamas and its goal for the Palestinian people. Hamas is the organization that represents the Palestinian people in dealing with Israel and the world.

I can identify the current top oil consuming countries. United States, China, and Japan

I know the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources. A renewable resource is one that can be replaced. Tree’s can be re- grown making them renewable. Non-renewable cannot be replaced. Oil took millions of years to form making it non-renewable.

I can explain the effects of petroleum production and export on a country’s standard of living. Countries with oil have a higher standard of living than those countries without oil reserves.

I know the meaning of OPEC and its global impact. OPEC stands for Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Being a member of OPEC gives a country economic influence over the price of petroleum an political influence over countries which are oil dependent.

I understand the goal of the Crusades and its impact. The Crusades were a series of wars started by European Christians aimed at stopping the spread of Islam and was an attempt to take control of Palestine and Jerusalem from the Muslims.

I can explain the crisis currently happening in Syria. Bashar Assad, the ruler of Syria, has been violently repressing a revolution by the people of Syria. 30,000 people have been killed. No country has offered military help to stop the violence.

I understand the impact ISIS has had in the Middle East. ISIS is a terrorist group that is trying to establish an Islamic theocracy in Iraq and Syria. They are carrying out acts of terrorism throughout the region to try and draw attention to their cause. Refugees from Iraq and Syria have been fleeing to Turkey to seek safety.