Understandings

• Resources are distributed unevenly.
• Human activity influences the physical and cultural landscape.
• Cultural traits diffuse over time and distance.

Regions?

This unit provides the opportunity to investigate the concept of region. Should Afghanistan should be included in this region? What are the characteristics of this region?

• home to the world’s three monotheistic regions
• oil resources
• Arabic language
• desert and semi-arid areas

North Africa and Southwest Asia

Would it be a good idea? (6A)

In the Decisions, Decisions series students are challenged to determine what information is needed to evaluate a given scenario. In the application of the geoinquiry process students need to:

1. determine what information is needed
2. obtain information from the textbook, Nystrom Atlas, or information from past learning experiences
3. pose additional questions
4. make a decision
5. explain the reasons underlying the decision.

Did you know?

• Most of the world’s deserts are rocky or hamada, not sandy.
• An erg a sand dune in the desert.
• .A wadi is a dried up lake.
• An oasis is a source of water in the desert.
• Sahara means desert.
• The Sahara continues to expand.
• Afghanistan was formed as a buffer between the British and Russian empires.

Maps from the Arizona Geographic Alliance

• Southwest Asia/North Africa outline map
• Jerusalem’s Old  City

ArcGIS Online Maps in the NPS Organizational Account

GeoInquiries by Esri

• The Arabian Peninsula (map)