Target Curriculum: History and Social Science Target Grades: 12 (U.S. Government and World Geography) SOLs: World Geography 10.11, 10.14 and U.S. Government 12.14 Objective and Goals: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the competing forces and their demands in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process by completing a "Force Field Analysis" (developed by John Rossi at Virginia Commonwealth University) and by presenting their findings to a mediator. Purpose: To give students the opportunity to research the conflicting demands of the Israeli and Palestinians in the search for Middle East peace. Materials: Force Field Analysis Sheet (see below) Internet Access Procedure: Have students conduct an Internet quest to secure information on the Middle East peace process. Suggested web sites include: www.state.gov, www.usip.org (usip_requets@usip.org), and www.un.org (for links to Israel and Palestine) Next, divide the class into three groups: Israeli, Palestinians, and mediators. The number of students representing the Palestinian and Israeli positions must be equal. Each group will complete the Force Field Analysis sheet answering questions and stating recommended action. Using their completed Force Field Analysis, further divide the class into groups of three students (one Israeli, one Palestinian, and a mediator). Depending on class size, there may be one or two small groups with more than one mediator. In each group of three, the conflicting sides present their positions to the mediator, whose role is to attempt to find ways to resolve the obstacles blocking the goal of peace. This interaction will continue for the majority of the class period. The mediator in each group should continue to attempt to assist the disputing parties in resolving their differences. Observation: The teacher moves between the groups, insuring that each unit is on task, but refrains from interacting, unless students are at an impasse. Leave 10 to12 minutes at the end of the class to reconvene as a whole class and debrief the exercise. Conclusions: Debrief with a whole class discussion on the obstacles blocking the goal of peace in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of point of view on a single issue. Assign an essay, "Middle East Impasse: The Key to Resolving the Arab-Israeli Conflict." For Your Information: This is an excellent exercise to reinforce the role of mediation in addressing personal conflicts. Extension: This is an excellent model for examining current as well as historical conflicts. Written By: Lynda K. Dunnigan (pbdlkd@erols.com) Submitted By: Lynda K. Dunnigan Grade Taught: Secondary Enrichment Specialist and Humanities School: Lafayette High School Division: Williamsburg-James City County Schools Force Field Analysis Sheet Circle One ISRAELI          PALESTINIAN          MEDIATOR STATE YOUR GOAL: ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ FORCES WORKING TOWARD GOAL: ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ OBSTACLES BLOCKING THE GOAL: ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ANALYSIS: ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER Which forces and obstacles are the most important? Which ones are the most resistant to change? Which forces moving toward the goal are the strongest? Which obstacles could be removed most easily? RECOMMENDED ACTION: ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

..................................................................................................................................................

WorldNet Virginia
TOLL 800 / 609-2680  ::  TEL 703 / 791-7328
FAX 703 / 791-7378  ::  EMAIL info@pwnet.org

Copyright © 1999 Prince William County Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.
Developed by Filnet, Inc.