Geographic Understanding
SS7G5 The student will locate selected features in Southwestern Asia (Middle East)
a. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map: Euphrates River, Jordan River,
Tigris River, Suez Canal, Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and
Gaza Strip.
b. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map the nations of Afghanistan, Iran,
Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
SS7G6 The student will discuss environmental issues across Southwest Asia (Middle East).
a. Explain how water pollution and the unequal distribution of water impacts irrigation and
drinking water.
SS7G7 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, physical characteristics,
Distribution of natural resources and population distribution on Southwest Asia (Middle
East).
a. Explain how the distribution of oil has affected the development of Southwest Asia
(Middle East).
b. Describe how the deserts and rivers of Southwest Asia (Middle East) have affected the
population in terms of where people live, the type of work they do, and how they travel.
SS7G8 The student will describe the diverse cultures of the people who live in Southwest
Asia (Middle East).
a. Explain the differences between an ethnic group and a religious group.
b. Explain the diversity of religions within the Arabs, Persians, and Kurds.
c. Compare and contrast the prominent religions in Southwest Asia (Middle East): Judaism,
Islam, and Christianity.
d. Explain the reason for the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
e. Evaluate how the literacy rate affects the standard of living.