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In this WebQuest, you will be exploring issues such as the roles of oil and water in the Middle East, religions of the Middle East and the Israeli- Arab conflict. The Task You are a team of journalists working for one of the worlds most reputable and reliable news stations, VTHS News. You're on assignment in the heart of the Middle East . During this cycle you will be researching and exploring the different issues surrounding the Middle East . After your research is complete, you will give a live broadcast explaining the situation that you have researched hoping to bring worldwide attention to these issues and raise the public's awareness about the Middle East. The Process 1. Brainstorm and help fill out the KWL chart (class hand-out). 2. Using your online and print resources answer the questions listed on your WebQuest and on your graphic organizer. 3. In your readings you may come across difficult words that you don't understand, feel free to use the Merriam-Webster Dictionary online! 4. Each person is responsible to take his or her own notes. 5. Each member must prepare a written script/dialogue for his part of the newscast. 6. Each member of your group will have to give a newscast from a location in the Middle East . Use visual aids such as diagrams, charts or posters to enhance your report. 7. Divide the groups' responsibilities to record your group's newscast. There will be 3 people in each group. Take turns in giving the newscast.
Resources: Merriam-Webster Dictionary online Visit the following sites to find your answers. Middle East Natural Resources Map PBS-Global Connections OPEC Home Page American Petroleum Industry: Industry Statistics Visit the Electronic Passport to Oil in the Middle East Read this article: Arctic Oil Drilling Debate Escalates Questions 1. What is a "non-renewable" resource? What is "oil"? 2. Where is oil produced in the world? Where is it produced specifically in the Middle East ? 3. Which countries appear to have the most oil? The least? Might this explain why we hear more in the media about some countries in this region than others? 4. Explain why most people think of oil as the central resource that shapes the Middle East . 5. How does the distribution of oil affect the countries in the Middle East ? 6. What is OPEC? 7. Who are the main consumers of oil in the world? 8. Why is the United States so dependent on oil and therefore, the Middle East ? 9. How might the need for more oil create conflict among countries? 10. Why is the control of this area important to the world? 11. Over the long term, why might the need for more oil keep creating more conflicts? 12. Why is it important to think about our use of oil and limit our consumption of oil? How? 13. Can societies reinforce this idea? How can countries work together to create ways of sharing oil as a resource? How can the United Nations become involved? Resources http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2000/07/0714_water.html Merriam-Webster Dictionary online Visit the following sites to find your answers. Encarta Online PBS-Global Connections-Water Irrigating in Mesopotamia Look at the Natural Resources map at
Questions Think about water while you consider the following quotes, "Many of the wars of this [20th] century were about oil, but the wars of the next century will be about water." -Former World Bank Vice President Ismail Serageldin "The next war in the Near East will not be about politics, but over water." -Former UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali Use the Middle East Natural Resources Map to answer the following two questions: 1. What are the main water sources in the Middle East ? How, specifically, might these water sources be used? 2. Where are the drinkable water sources in the Middle East ? How are people's daily lives affected if they cannot easily access water on a daily basis? How are people in the Middle East manipulating water supplies in order to live? 3. The two most important ancient civilizations, Egypt and Mesopotamia , developed in areas their water was plentiful. Why do you think this was the case? Read the article and answer the following questions: 4. Briefly describe why water is a source of conflict, according to the article that you read 5. Why do you think water is so important? 6. Which countries are making plans to somehow change the natural flow or distribution of water? 7. How does one country's control of a water source impact another country? 8. Why is water a required resource for all life? 9. How do people around the world use water in their daily lives? 10. Are water supplies equally distributed around the world? 11. Why is "water" considered the next possible catalyst for regional wars? Why would water be a source of conflict among people? Among bordering countries? 12. How can countries work together to share water resources more equitably?
Resources: Merriam-Webster Dictionary online Encarta Online Encarta Online PBS-Global Connections-Us Influence Mr. Dowling's Electronic Passport The Land of Israel htttp://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june02/mideast.html The Creation of Israel Israel and the Palestinian Territories http://www.lonelyplanet.com/dest/mea/isr.htm Questions 1. Why is the Middle East called the " Middle East "? 2. Who controlled countries in the Middle East prior to the 20th century? Why? 3. How was Israel created? Who lives there? 4. Why is there a conflict over Palestine ? 5. Why is there a conflict between Israel and Arab nations? 6. How has westernization affected the existing conflict? 7. What type of relationship does the United States have with Israel and Arab nations in the Middle East ? 8. How can nations in the Middle East help keep peaceful relations between Israel , Palestine , and other Arab nations? 9. What role should the United States play? How should the UN be involved?
Resources: Merriam-Webster Dictionary online Encarta Online PBS-Global Connections-Stereotypes PBS-Global Connections-Religion & Culture BBCi-Religion and Ethnics PBS-Islam Empire of Faith PBS Global Connections PBS Global Connections-Maps The Electronic Passport to Terrorism in the Middle East Read this article: Attack on America: An Islamic Scholar's Perspective Questions 1. What are the three main religions practiced in the Middle East ? 2. What is the distribution of these three religions? 3. What percentage of people worship in each of these three religious groups? 4. What do these three religions have in common? 5. What is Islam? 6. What are the 5 Pillars of Islam? Describe. 7. How does Islam affect the culture of the region? 8. What possible negative affect does Sept 11th, the "War on Terrorism", and the "War on Iraq ", have on some Americans' opinions of Muslims? 9. What challenges are Muslims and Muslim-Americans facing after the above-mentioned conflicts? 10. How can Muslims and non-Muslims work together to separate Islam from the above topics? How can the UN help?
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