Geography Standards Southwest Asia (Middle East)

Standard G5: The student will locate selected features in Southwestern Asia (Middle East).

Use the corresponding colors to label the following on the map below:

Euphrates River-Red Jordan River- Blue Tigris River- Green

Suez Canal- Orange

Label the following by the corresponding number on the map below:

1.  Persian Gulf 2. Strait of Hormuz 3. Arabian Sea 4. Red Sea

5. Gaza Strip 6. Afghanistan 7. Iran 8. Iraq 9. Israel

10. Saudi Arabia 11.Turkey 12. Jordan 13. West Bank 14. Kuwait

15. Mediterranean Sea 16. Indian Ocean 17. Arabian Peninsula

Standard: G6

The student will discuss environmental issues across Southwest Asia (Middle East).

G6.a: Explain how water pollution and the unequal distribution of water impacts

irrigation and drinking water.

Problem / Importance/Additional Notes
1. Uneven distribution of water
FACTS / a.  irrigation –
2. Irrigation:
FACTS / a. drip irrigation –
b. desalinization –
3. Water pollution
FACTS
a. chemical fertilizers-
b. garbage/sewage –
4. Dams
FACTS

Standard: G7

The student will explain the impact of location, climate, physical characteristics, Distribution of natural resources and population distribution on Southwest Asia (Middle East).

G7.a: Explain how the distribution of oil has affected the development of Southwest

Asia (Middle East).

1.  What are the two most valuable resources in SW Asia?

2.  How much of the world’s oil reserves are found in this area?

3.  Where is oil found and how does it get there?

4.  Compare the countries WITH oil to countries WITHOUT?

5.  What is O.P.E.C.? How does it impact the world’s economy?

6.  Which countries have the most oil in the region?

G7.b: How do the deserts and rivers of Southwest Asia (Middle East) affect the population in terms of where people live, the type of work they do, and how they travel?

Unit 1: Discussion Questions

  1. Why are rivers so important to this region?
  1. What river makes up the border between Israel and Jordan? What conflicts have occurred over this river?
  1. Why are dams a problem for some countries?
  1. What process make seawater usable for farming? Is this method suitable for all countries in the region?
  1. Why are chemical fertilizers a problem for farmers?
  1. Why do rivers attract farmers?
  1. Most of the oil is concentrated in what area of Southwest Asia?
  1. Why is oil a source of conflict in this area? Give examples.
  1. What does OPEC stand for? What is the purpose of OPEC?
  1. Which countries produce the MOST oil?
  1. Where do the Bedouins live and how do they make a living in this climate?
  1. Discuss the impact that oil has on the development of the countries, people in the region, the environment, and country interactions.