The Expansion of the Islamic Empire

What similarities and differences do you notice between the Roman and Islamic Empires?

Islamic Empire

Roman Empire

Historical Investigation: How Did the Islamic Empire Expand?
Remember that Prophet Muhammad started Islam on the Arabian Peninsula in the areas around Medina and Mecca.
Now, you will analyze three sources to find evidence about how the Islamic Empire expanded.  You will record your evidence and complete a quickwrite using the graphic organizer.

Before you begin your analysis, think back to the Roman Empire and how it expanded. 

The Golden Age of Islam

Technological Innovations during the Golden Age of Islam


During the Islamic Empire, much of the world was going through a violent and destructive period that some historians have called the Dark Ages. However, during this same period, the Muslims were experiencing a Golden Age of scientific discovery. As you view the video on Islamic inventions, take notes on The Golden Age of Islam document in your Google folder.

Medicine in the Islamic Empire

1. Go to Edpuzzle and view the assigned video "Medicine in the Islamic Empire."
2. Read and summarize the article "Hospitals" in your classroom folder.

Literary Achievements of the Golden Age

The Golden Age of Islam also produced some of the world's best-loved stories and folktales. The Thousand and One Nights is a collection of folktales from throughout the Islamic Empire.  Many of these tales are still enjoyed by children all over the world. Some of the stories have been made into movies. Here is a clip from the classic movie "The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad." 



A more modern animated clip:

Group Leaders Only: Please make a copy and share "can edit" with your group members and the teacher. Read your assigned voyage. Complete your section of the chart. You will find the stories here.

Simbad el Marinero en espanol

Mathematics in the Islamic Empire
View: Origins of Algebra

Mosque Project

Today you will receive instructions for your mosque project. Remember, your mosque should be constructed of mostly found and recycled materials. Your finished mosque will be displayed in the school library or classroom for one month.  You will then dismantle and recycle your mosque (unless you wish to take it home). 

     Open the document Mosque Instructions and Research in your Google classroom. As you research the architectural features of a mosque, be thinking of materials that you might use for your own creation. You might also get ideas from the model mosques below.

More Mosque Projects

The Origins of Islam

Harris J is a young British Muslim from London, England. Enjoy his song as you practice the greeting:

Asalamu aleikum! (Peace be with you!)

To prepare for your learning about Islam, complete the Religious Terms document in your Google classroom folder. 

Prophet Muhammad Starts Islam
Islam was started in the Arabian Peninsula by the prophet Muhammad. View minutes 1-15 of the documentary as an introduction. 

Group Collaboration: Timeline of the Life of Muhammad

Work together as a group to learn about the most significant events in the life of the Prophet Muhammad.

1.  Group Leaders Only:  Make a copy of this document and share with your group and the teacher, "can edit."
Follow the directions to work as a team to create the timeline.

Introduction to Islam

    
                                       As-salamu Aleykum

                                                   
                                       Peace Be Upon You

As-salamu aleykum is a common greeting in the Arabic language. The response would be Aleykum as-salam. 

The Arabian Peninsula

Just east of the Roman Empire, the Islamic Empire was flourishing. The Islamic Empire got its start on the Arabian Peninsula. From there, the religion Islam grew to be the second largest religion in the world. The followers of Islam are called Muslims. There are approximately 1.6 billion Muslim people in the world today.

The Arabic-Spanish Connection

The Arabian Peninsula
 As you view the slides, think about what you see. Select two of the ideas below to complete for each slide:

I observe...
I know...
I wonder...
I predict...

Survival in the Desert

1. As you view the video, make a list of both the challenges to survival and the strategies used to overcome these challenges.

You will find a note-taking guide in your Social Studies folder.

2.  Now read the textbook section.  Add to your notes.

3. The saluki is a dog breed that has been vital to survival in the desert. The saluki is a great runner, making this dog perfect for hunting gazelle in the Arabian Peninsula.

A Bedouin ready for the hunt with his Arabian horse, trained falcon and saluki.

Consider yourself very lucky if you see a saluki here in the United States as it is a rare breed.

Introduction to The Black Death

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.1 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.3 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.7 
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2

I. What was the Black Death?

A Plague Doctor Wearing a Plague Mask

1.  View the video to find the answer to three basic questions.  Record your responses in the Google form below.

I

II.What does medieval art tell us about how people experienced the Black Death?

Slide Presentation

1.  View the complete presentation. 
2.  Describe the 
physical,
emotional,
and/or psychological effects
depicted in the art. 

Edpuzzle

3.  View the video "The Black Death in Medieval Art." Answer the questions as you go.