This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the conflict between the nation of Israel and the Palestinians. By investigating the compelling question “Why is conflict so difficult to resolve?” students evaluate the levels of cooperation between these two groups, analyze their land claims from multiple perspectives, and consider the human characteristics that influence the division and control of this region. The formative performance tasks build on knowledge and skills through the course of the inquiry and help students draw evidence from articles, charts, graphs, and maps while justifying their reasoning in writing. Students create an evidence-based argument about why they think this conflict is so difficult to resolve in this region.