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=Model Mosque Student Project=



The purpose of this wiki is to explore world traditions by utilizing technological tools to enhance a 6th grade social studies lesson regarding Ottoman mosques. The lesson engages students as they examine the main interior architectural and decorative features of a typical Ottoman mosque. Students also explore how the main beliefs and practices of Islam are and were reflected in mosque decoration and architecture. The extensive lesson culminates with students redesigning their classroom as the interior of an Ottoman mosque built to please Suleyman I. The lesson plan was obtained from Alexandria Country Day School, Alexandria, VA via the school website. The original lesson plan by Jessica Silverman is included on the lesson plan page.

High tech learning activities have been added to this original lesson plan in order to enhance the extensive lesson by making use of 21st century technologies. Students use social bookmarking to collect and highlight the research they conduct regarding Ottoman mosques and Islamic practices. Students also create trading cards that feature Ottoman mosques as well as caliphs and other Islamic leaders of the Ottoman Empire using Read Write Think interactives. In addition, students utilize social networking to get creative and imagine how Ottoman leaders of the 1500s may have communicated with the artisans and craftspeople working in their mosque had they had the convenience of social networks. Finally, students create Museum Boxes that summarize their research findings and impressions of designing the interior of an Ottoman mosque to please Suleyman I.