Conflict and Cooperation: Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine
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Conflict and Cooperation: Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine

Grade 7Social Studies2 days
In this 7th-grade social studies project, students delve into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian and Russian-Ukrainian conflicts, analyzing the political, military, cultural, and economic forces that drive both cooperation and conflict. Through a global conflict simulation and research-based portfolio activities, students compare and contrast the factors at play in each situation, examining the impact on the affected populations. The project culminates in a comparative analysis essay, encouraging students to develop well-supported arguments about the roles of cooperation and conflict in these ongoing geopolitical issues.
Israel-Palestine ConflictRussia-Ukraine ConflictPolitical ForcesCultural IdentityEconomic FactorsMilitary EngagementsComparative Analysis
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How do political, military, cultural, and economic forces fuel cooperation and conflict in the ongoing Israel-Palestine or Russia-Ukraine situation, and what impact do these forces have on the people involved?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • What are the main reasons for the conflict between Israel and Palestine/Russia and Ukraine?
  • What political groups are involved in the Israel-Palestine/Russia-Ukraine conflict?
  • What are the cultural differences between Israelis and Palestinians/Russians and Ukrainians?
  • How do economic factors play a role in the Israel-Palestine/Russia-Ukraine conflict?
  • What is the role of military actions in the Israel-Palestine/Russia-Ukraine conflict?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Analyze the political, military, cultural, and economic factors driving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • Analyze the political, military, cultural, and economic factors driving the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
  • Compare and contrast the factors driving the Israeli-Palestinian and Russian-Ukrainian conflicts.
  • Evaluate the impact of these conflicts on the affected populations.
  • Develop well-supported arguments about the roles of cooperation and conflict in the conflicts.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

"Global Conflict Simulation"

Students participate in a simplified simulation representing international relations, trade, and conflict. They represent different nations, negotiate resources, and respond to simulated events, creating immediate engagement with cooperation and conflict dynamics.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Conflict Cause Analysis: Political Forces

Students will investigate the political factors that contribute to the Israeli-Palestinian or Russian-Ukrainian conflict. This involves researching the political systems, key political figures, government policies, and international relations involved in the conflict.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose either the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or the Russian-Ukrainian conflict to focus on.
2. Research the main political parties and leaders involved in the chosen conflict.
3. Identify the key political issues and disputes that fuel the conflict.
4. Examine the role of international organizations (e.g., UN, EU) and other countries in the conflict.
5. Write a summary of the political factors contributing to the conflict.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written report outlining the key political forces at play in the chosen conflict, including key actors, issues, and international involvement.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals of analyzing political factors driving the conflicts and developing well-supported arguments about the roles of cooperation and conflict.
Activity 2

Military Engagements Timeline

Students will create a detailed timeline of the major military events in their chosen conflict (Israel-Palestine or Russia-Ukraine). This activity focuses on understanding the escalation and de-escalation of conflict through military actions.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Select a specific period within the chosen conflict to focus on (e.g., the last 10 years, a specific war or crisis).
2. Research and identify major military events, battles, and engagements during that period.
3. Create a timeline, plotting these events in chronological order.
4. For each event, include a brief description of what happened and its immediate consequences.
5. Analyze the timeline to identify patterns of escalation and de-escalation in the conflict.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual timeline of military events with descriptions, highlighting key turning points and patterns of conflict.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals of analyzing military factors driving the conflicts and evaluating the impact of these conflicts on the affected populations.
Activity 3

Cultural Identity Clash Essay

Students will explore the cultural and social factors that contribute to the conflict. This involves researching the cultural identities, historical narratives, and social grievances of the involved groups.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the cultural and ethnic identities of the groups involved in the chosen conflict.
2. Identify key cultural differences and historical grievances that contribute to the conflict.
3. Examine how cultural narratives and stereotypes are used to fuel the conflict.
4. Consider the impact of the conflict on cultural heritage and social cohesion.
5. Write an essay discussing the role of cultural factors in the conflict.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn essay analyzing the cultural dimensions of the conflict, including the role of identity, narratives, and social grievances.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals of analyzing cultural factors driving the conflicts and evaluating the impact of these conflicts on the affected populations.
Activity 4

Economic Resources and Conflict Map

Students will investigate the economic factors that contribute to the conflict, such as control over natural resources, trade routes, and economic inequality.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the economic resources and industries that are significant in the regions involved in the chosen conflict.
2. Identify any disputes over natural resources, trade routes, or economic assets.
3. Examine the economic disparities between the groups involved in the conflict.
4. Create a map illustrating the key economic factors and their relationship to the conflict.
5. Write a report explaining how economic factors contribute to the conflict.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA map and accompanying report detailing the economic factors driving the conflict, including resource disputes and economic inequalities.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals of analyzing economic factors driving the conflicts and developing well-supported arguments about the roles of cooperation and conflict.
Activity 5

Comparative Conflict Analysis

Students will compare and contrast the factors driving the Israeli-Palestinian and Russian-Ukrainian conflicts, drawing on their research from the previous activities.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review your previous research on the political, military, cultural, and economic factors driving your chosen conflict.
2. Research the political, military, cultural, and economic factors driving the other conflict (if you studied Israel-Palestine, now study Russia-Ukraine, and vice versa).
3. Create a table or chart comparing and contrasting the key factors in both conflicts.
4. Write an essay discussing the similarities and differences between the two conflicts and the overall impact of these forces.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparative analysis essay that synthesizes their understanding of both conflicts and identifies common patterns and unique aspects.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals of comparing and contrasting the factors driving the Israeli-Palestinian and Russian-Ukrainian conflicts and developing well-supported arguments about the roles of cooperation and conflict.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Conflict Cause Analysis: Political Forces Rubric

Category 1

Research and Identification of Political Factors

This category assesses the depth and accuracy of the student's research on political parties, leaders, issues, and international involvement.
Criterion 1

Identification of Key Political Actors

Accuracy and completeness in identifying and describing the major political parties, leaders, and organizations involved in the conflict.

Exemplary
4 Points

Identifies and comprehensively describes all major political actors with nuanced understanding of their roles and motivations.

Proficient
3 Points

Identifies and accurately describes most of the major political actors and their roles in the conflict.

Developing
2 Points

Identifies some of the major political actors but provides limited description of their roles.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to identify the major political actors and provides minimal information about their roles.

Criterion 2

Analysis of Key Political Issues and Disputes

Depth of analysis regarding the underlying political issues and disputes that fuel the conflict.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides an in-depth analysis of the key political issues and disputes, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of their complexities and interrelationships.

Proficient
3 Points

Clearly identifies and explains the key political issues and disputes that fuel the conflict.

Developing
2 Points

Identifies some of the political issues and disputes but provides a superficial explanation of their significance.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to identify the political issues and disputes and provides minimal explanation.

Criterion 3

Examination of International Involvement

Extent to which the student examines the role of international organizations and other countries in the conflict.

Exemplary
4 Points

Thoroughly examines the roles of international organizations and other countries, providing insightful analysis of their influence and impact.

Proficient
3 Points

Explains the roles of international organizations and other countries involved in the conflict.

Developing
2 Points

Mentions the involvement of international organizations or other countries, but provides limited detail or analysis.

Beginning
1 Points

Fails to adequately address the role of international organizations or other countries in the conflict.

Category 2

Clarity and Organization of Written Report

This category assesses the clarity, organization, and overall quality of the written report.
Criterion 1

Structure and Organization

Logical flow of information and overall organization of the report.

Exemplary
4 Points

Report is exceptionally well-organized with a clear, logical flow of information that enhances understanding.

Proficient
3 Points

Report is well-organized and presents information in a logical manner.

Developing
2 Points

Report shows some organization, but the flow of information is occasionally unclear.

Beginning
1 Points

Report lacks clear organization and the flow of information is difficult to follow.

Criterion 2

Clarity and Precision of Writing

Use of clear, concise, and precise language to effectively communicate ideas.

Exemplary
4 Points

Writing is exceptionally clear, concise, and precise, effectively conveying complex ideas with sophistication.

Proficient
3 Points

Writing is clear, concise, and uses appropriate language to communicate ideas effectively.

Developing
2 Points

Writing is understandable, but may lack clarity or precision in some areas.

Beginning
1 Points

Writing is unclear and difficult to understand, hindering the communication of ideas.

Criterion 3

Use of Evidence and Sources

Appropriate use of evidence and credible sources to support claims and arguments.

Exemplary
4 Points

Uses a wide range of credible sources effectively to support claims, demonstrating sophisticated source evaluation and integration.

Proficient
3 Points

Uses credible sources to support claims and arguments effectively.

Developing
2 Points

Uses some sources, but the evidence provided is limited or not always relevant.

Beginning
1 Points

Fails to use credible sources or provide sufficient evidence to support claims.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How has your understanding of the cooperation and conflict between people evolved through this project?

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