Discovery Channel School. The Middle East: Land of Contrast [DVD]. (2004). ASIN: B002ABINP6

Plot Summary and Short Evaluation

This DVD is a fun-filled and action-packed quest for the wonders of the Middle East. First you will learn about ancient trade routes and the three cities that were most important: Jerusalem, Aleppo, and Istanbul. You can wander through the bustling bazaars that haven’t changed much over the years, and learn about the goods that made each city famous. Next in store is an exciting trip through Jordan, guided by King Abdullah himself! You may think he’s too cool to be a king: he loves motorcycles, helicopters, hang gliders, speedboats, scuba diving and a new sport—sand surfing! He will take you on all these adventures while showing you lost cities, ancient tombs and amazing natural beauty. Better than any travel video, this inside tour of Jordan is unforgettable. After that, the final section of the video is on the holy cities of the Middle East. You’ll see Jerusalem, home to three religions, with the Jewish Wailing Wall, the Muslim Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where some say Jesus’ tomb was. Mecca hosts thousands of Muslims who come in pilgrimage to the Ka’bah. With so much to discover, this DVD is one journey you’ll be glad you took!

Reader's Annotation

About Discovery Education (excerpt from http://discoveryeducation.com/aboutus/)

Discovery Education provides engaging digital resources to schools and homes with the goal of making educators more effective, increasing student achievement, and connecting classrooms and families to a world of learning.

Discovery Education is a division of Discovery Communications, LLC the leading global nonfiction media company. The leader in digital video-based learning, Discovery Education produces and distributes high-quality digital resources in easy-to-use formats in all core-curricular subject areas. Discovery Education is committed to creating scientifically proven, standards-based digital resources for teachers, students, and parents that make a positive impact on student learning. Through solutions like Discovery Education streaming, Discovery Education Science, Discovery Education Health and more, Discovery Education helps over one million educators and 35 million students harness the power of broadband and media to connect to a world of learning.

Genre

Multimedia (history)

Curriculum Ties

Social Studies

Booktalking Ideas

*Students learn about the Middle East: trade routes, kings, holy cities, etc.

Reading Level/Interest Age

Grades 6+

Reason for Book Selection

Students study the history of the Middle East in middle school and in high school.