This unit covers the rise and spread of Islam and Islamic Empires. It also covers key African Kingdoms.
Islamic and African Civilizations unit contains 6 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in Islamic and African Civilizations Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
Religion and Its Influence: The Origins of Islam
Students are introduced to Islam and learn the important events in its timeline. Then they explore the beliefs and five pillars of Islam. They look more closely at Ramadan and Hajj, developing a set of questions they’d like to ask someone about them. Finally, students develop an infographic that is designed to inform younger students about the basics of Islam.
History of Early Islam
Students are introduced to the idea that Muhammad started both a religion and a new type of society. Then they examine the role of women in early Islam. Next, they explain distinctions in belief between the Sunni and Shia. Finally, they write a letter explaining some of the distinctions between different types of Muslims.
The Expansion of Muslim Rule and the Spread of Islam
Students learn about the expansion of Muslim rule by exploring a detailed history and taking notes. Then they annotate a map to show significant migration and movement, dates, and people and places in Muslim expansion. Finally, they reflect on how their own perspective has changed after learning more about this history.
Muslim Contributions and the Golden Age
Students learn about important contributions from the Islamic Golden Age, including the House of Wisdom. In small groups, they research and explain important contributions in art, architecture, literature, sciences, and medicine. Then they consider what might serve as a House of Wisdom in today’s society.
West and Central African Kingdoms
Students are introduced to west African kingdoms by drawing conclusions about an image of a mosque in the country of Mali. Then they examine the history of several west and central African kingdoms as well as the role of trade in those kingdoms. Next, they explore the empire of Mali and Mansa Musu and explain how trade influenced his empire. Finally, students analyze the early internal African slave trade.
East and Southern African Kingdoms
Students are introduced to early civilizations in east Africa by learning about Aksum in Ethiopia. Then they examine more broadly the east African kingdoms and trade networks. Next, they explore the Great Zimbabwe in southern Africa. They analyze how colonialism in southern Africa was different from that of other parts of Africa. Finally, they write imaginatively about what daily life would have been like in ancient Aksum.
