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.
Students are introduced to the focus of the experience: early Islam, its leadership, the role of women, and the division into sects. They view an image of a Muslim woman and respond to a word cloud prompt by listing countries they know that are home to Muslims.
Teacher MovesReview the lesson objectives and discuss student word cloud responses, noting that Muslims live not only in majority-Muslim countries but also in many other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Japan, and India. Briefly review what students already know about the origins of Islam.
Students read Muhammad to learn how Islam began with Muhammad near Mecca in 610 C.E. and how his leadership created both a new religion and a new type of society. They then answer multiple-choice questions about why Muhammad and his followers left Mecca, how Islam differed from mainstream Meccan religion, and what held the early Muslim community together.
Teacher MovesUse student responses to identify understandings and misconceptions, and to guide follow-up discussion.
Students read Women in World History: Islamic Empire to learn about the first convert to Islam and the contributions of women to early Islamic history. They then post to a class wall, summarizing in their own words the primary role women played in Islamic history.
Teacher MovesClarify that the women highlighted in the article were important scholars and contributors to the development and spread of early Islam, while most women historically focused on family responsibilities and transmitting religious and social values at home. Lead a discussion comparing the role of Islamic women with the roles of women in other civilizations students have studied.
Students watch Discovering Two Branches of Islam to learn about the historical origins and core beliefs of Sunni and Shia Islam. They then write a paragraph on a class wall explaining the key differences between these two branches.
Teacher MovesSelect and share an interesting or exemplary student explanation with the class. Use it to highlight that Sunnis trace religious authority to Muhammad’s founding companions and view the Quran as eternal, while Shia Muslims look to imams as spiritual guides and believe the Quran was created in time and must be interpreted through an imam in each generation.
Students watch Islam: Sunni- Shia Conflict to see how tensions between some Sunni and Shia Muslims appear in the modern world and to distinguish extremist movements from the many law-abiding Muslims worldwide. They then write a letter on a class wall to someone who misunderstands these distinctions, explaining what is important to know about the diversity of Muslims around the world.
Teacher MovesShare an interesting or exemplary student letter with the class to prompt discussion about misconceptions regarding Muslims and the importance of understanding differences within Islam.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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