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.
Students are introduced to the idea that Islamic civilization made significant contributions to culture, including the arts, sciences, and mathematics, and review the lesson objectives. They examine an image of an Islamic sundial and contribute to a word cloud listing the tools and methods they currently use to tell time. After considering how people in ancient times might have told time without modern tools, they watch Islam: Sundials to learn why accurate timekeeping was important for Muslims. Students then respond in a shared table explaining why Muslims needed an accurate way to report time. Finally, they add any Islamic contributions to culture, the arts, and sciences they already know to a class table.
Teacher MovesClarify that Muslims needed accurate timekeeping to pray five times a day at specific times based on the sun’s position and to determine their direction toward Mecca. Review and discuss students’ ideas about known Islamic contributions, noting that many students may know few examples, and explain that they will explore the importance of Islamic civilizations in developing the arts and sciences.
Students read Golden Age of Islam to learn about the Islamic Golden Age and the role of the House of Wisdom. They answer multiple-choice questions about who was invited to the House of Wisdom, medical advances such as distinguishing smallpox from measles, and the event that ended the Islamic Golden Age.
Teacher MovesUse student responses to identify understandings and misconceptions, and to guide follow-up discussion. Then divide students into small groups and assign each group a research category (Art, Architecture, Literature, Algebra & Trigonometry, Engineering, Astronomy, Medicine, or Paper and Publishing) for the next scene.
Working in small groups, students research one assigned category of Islamic contributions (Art, Architecture, Literature, Algebra & Trigonometry, Engineering, Astronomy, Medicine, or Paper and Publishing). Using Culture or Innovation as starting points, they investigate their topic, then create a brief report that includes an overview statement of Islamic contributions in that area, one or two specific examples, and at least one image. They post their report to a small-group discussion wall or share it via an online presentation tool, and then present their findings to the class, explaining what they learned about their assigned element of Islamic contributions.
Teacher MovesEncourage interested students to view The Complex Geometry of Islamic Design for additional exploration of Islamic art and design techniques. Ensure that groups complete their research and products, then facilitate student presentations so each group can share its findings with the class.
Students revisit the concept of the House of Wisdom as a place where Muslim, Christian, and Jewish scholars shared ideas and creative work. They read The House of Wisdom: One of the Greatest Libraries in History to deepen their understanding of its role in the Islamic Golden Age. Individually, they post to a class discussion wall explaining whether there is a modern equivalent of a House of Wisdom or why such a place would be valuable today, supporting their ideas with reasoning and details. They then review classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with questions or positive comments.
Teacher MovesLead a whole-class discussion about students’ ideas on modern equivalents of the House of Wisdom, prompting them to consider possibilities such as the Internet or major metropolitan centers. Highlight the importance of dialogue and knowledge-sharing among people with diverse perspectives.
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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