This 2016 Inquiry Challenge winner leads students through an investigation of ancient Hebrew history and Judaism by using various sources that consider the historical and theological foundations, as well as issues related to geography and place. By investigating the compelling question, students examine the history of the ancient Hebrew people, the principles that form the foundation of Judaic thought, the connection of history and religion to Israel, and the geographic variance in religious practices. By completing this inquiry, students begin to understand issues revolving around the factors that help to form a people’s identity, as well as the fluidity of defining a group within any predetermined criteria.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
What Defines a People?
Staging Question
Students create a graphic organizer where they show the factors (i.e., places, ideas, beliefs.) that are a part of their identities.
1
Supporting QuestionWho were the ancient Hebrews?
Formative TasksComplete a graphic organizer identifying and describing major figures and beliefs in Hebrew history.
SourcesSource A: Ted-Ed, “World Religions”
Source B: Jewish Virtual Library timeline
Source C: “Religion: Three Religions, One God”
2
Supporting QuestionWhat are the principles of Judaism?
Formative TasksAdd the principles of Judaism to the graphic organizer.
SourcesSources from SQ1
Source A: Maimonides’ 13 Principles of Belief
Source B: “Jewish Beliefs”
Source C: BBC Bitesize – GCSE, “Judaism”
3
Supporting QuestionHow do the beliefs and history of Judaism connect to Israel?
Formative TasksWrite 1-2 paragraphs describing how Israel connects to the beliefs and history of Judaism and the Hebrew people.
SourcesSources from SQ1 and SQ2
Source A: SHOW, Mapping Worlds
Source B: Video Jerusalem: Sacred and Contentious
Source C: Lyrics to Israeli National Anthem
4
Supporting QuestionHow do religious practices vary among different populations within Judaism?
Formative TasksMake a claim supported by evidence about the different ways Judaism is practiced among different populations.
SourcesSource A: Description of Passover
Source B: Images of Passover Traditions
Summative Performance Task
Argument: What defines a people? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical and contemporary sources while acknowledging competing views.
Extension: Conduct a Socratic dialogue that addresses the compelling question.
Taking Informed Action
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