The document provides instructions for a multi-day lesson on the geography of the Middle East, focusing on the roles of oil and water in the region. Students will study maps of Iraq and the Middle East to learn basic geography. They will analyze how the distribution of oil and water contributes to conflicts and influences different countries. Students will create maps labeling major water sources and geographic features, and answer questions about the resources and earliest civilizations in the region.

1. The Middle East

2. The Middle East Objectives: Students will …… 1. Study maps of Iraq and the Middle East to learn the basic geography of the region; 2. Analyze the role played by the distribution of oil and water in the Middle East, and how this sometimes contributes to conflicts in the region; 3. Create maps showing all the major sources of water in the Middle East and including other geographic names and features;

3. The Middle East Oil and Water in the Middle East Region In this lesson, you will explore the roles of oil and water in the Middle East, especially in Iraq . You will use maps to look at the distribution of oil in the Middle East and discuss what it means for the different countries in the region. You will also examine how water has influenced the region historically and politically.

4. The Middle East Most people think of oil as the central resource that shapes the Middle East. Why is this so? Look at this map and consider the variable crude oil reserves of the different countries. http:// www.pbs.org/wgbh/globalconnections/mideast/maps/topo.html 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?

5. The Middle East Two of the most important ancient civilizations, Egypt and Mesopotamia, developed in areas where water was plentiful. Why do you think this is the case?

6. The Middle East On your copy of the basic Xpeditions outline map label the following things. Go to the classroom web site to get help. 1. Names of countries and major cities 2. Bodies of water: Persian Gulf Red Sea Gulf of Aden Mediterranean Sea Caspian Sea Dead Sea Gulf of Aqaba Tigris (Dijlah) River Euphrates (Al Furat) River Jordan River Nile River Sea of Galilee Gulf of Suez Label your Packet: Middle East Day 1: 11-11-09

9. The Middle East Label your notebook as follows: 11-17-09 Middle East Day 5: Catch up / finish work day!