ISIS influence in the Mediterranean Region

Lesson Plan: 9-12 grade

Introduction: Within the last few years, the emergence of the group known as the Islamic State
(ISIL/ISIS) as a terrorist cell has put its influence towards areas such as Southwest Asia, the
Middle East and the Mediterranean Sea. This lesson plan will look at various events, such as
the beginnings of the cell, conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and other states, as well as interactions with
European and American governments.
Standards:
C3 D2.Civ.5.9-12
C3 D2.Civ.9.9-12
C3 D2.Civ.10.9-12
C3 D2.Civ.14.9-12
C3 D2.Geo.9.9-12
C3 D2.His.3.9-12
C3 D2.His.5.9-12
Guiding Questions:
- What are the origins of ISIL/ISIS?
- How does this group influence political interactions?
- Regional Interactions?
Learning Objectives:
-The student will be able to identify the characteristics that separate ISIL/ISIS from other
networks and organizations.
-The student will be able to explain the origins of ISIS.
-The student will be able to understand the responses that governments have made towards
ISIL/ISIS from local, regional, and international levels.

Background: Students will read the opinion piece story by Jeremy Suri in the New York Times
and will give their initial reactions through class discussion (5-10 min)
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/02/opinion/how-america-helped-isis.html
Class Materials:
Computer access (laptop, desktop, or tablet) for possible databases, newspaper/web links, and
presentation programs such as PowerPoint/Keynote
Pencil/Paper
Resources:
WebQuest
Frontline PBS Video - Rise of ISIS

Middle East Maps

Lesson Activities:
WebQuest Presentation
WebQuest - http://isisnehsummerproject.weebly.com/
Map Research Jigsaw - 5 cities (Raqqa, Aleppo, Mosul, Damascus, Baghdad)
- Significance of city in regards to Iraq, Syria, ISIS
- Location
- Brief Overview
Students will work together to complete a group presentation on the options given to them by
the WebQuest website and will use the accompanying website links, videos, and maps to assist
them with the assignment.
Extending the Lesson:
Students will continue research and complete a group project. Breadth and depth of the project
will depend on amount of additional time for assignment. Possible individual analysis of the
ISIS/ISIL situation through research paper, presentation, or website could be done in addition.
Scaffolding:
Give students a base of top sites recommended by teacher to start research or have librarians
assist with forming a student list of recommended sites for research.
Selected EDSiTement Websites

Time Required: 3-4 Class Periods