Materials

• Physical and political map of North Africa and Southwest Asia
• Wall map or transparency of the North Africa and Southwest Asia
• Video on the physical features of North Africa and Southwest Asia and a related, teacher-prepared viewing guide
• Physical and political outline maps of North Africa and Southwest Asia
• A list of the physical features, countries, and cities to be located (see list on pp. 143–145)
• Copies of student geography notes on the region (Attachment A)

Instructional Activities

1. Display a physical map of the region, and instruct students to analyze the physical features by reading the key and interpreting the map. Have the students answer the following questions:
   What physical feature dominates North Africa? (Sahara Desert)
   Why is the region sometimes referred to as the Middle East? (Because it is at the crossroads of three continents)
   What is the name of the river that flows through Egypt? Why do you think it is an important river?
   Discuss the answers to the questions, using the maps to demonstrate.
2. Show a video on the physical features of the region, and have students answer questions based on the information in the viewing guide. Discuss student responses to the questions.
3. Distribute outline physical and political maps of the region, and instruct students to label the following:
   • Kuwait
   • United Arab Emirates
   • Qatar
   • Israel
   • Algeria
   • Saudi Arabia
   • Libya
   • Iran
   • Turkey
   • Egypt
   • Iraq
   • Atlas Mountains
   • Taurus Mountains
   • Zagros Mountains
   • Mediterranean Sea
   • Red Sea
   • Black Sea
   • Arabian Sea
   • Persian/Arabian Gulf
   • Bosporus Strait
   • Dardanelles Strait
   • Strait of Hormuz
   • Nile River
   • Tigris River
   • Euphrates River
   • Jordan River
   
   
   Outline maps may be found at the following Web sites:
   •“Southwest Asia/North Africa.” Arizona Geographic Alliance. <http://alliance.la.asu.edu/maps/MIDEAST.PDF>.
   
   •“Label Middle Eastern Countries and Major Bodies of Water.” Enchanted Learning.com. <http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/continents/Mideast/label/>.
   
   Free map puzzles and games can be found at the following site:
   •Owl and Mouse Educational Software. <http://www.yourchildlearns.com/owlmouse.htm>.