Published: 2026-04-26
The House of Wisdom
Learners will watch a short video on astronomy in the medieval Islamic empire and investigate the special contributions of Islamic astronomers.
SUBJECTScience, Social Studies
GRADE5th Grade
Learning Objectives
- I understand that scientists make sense of the world around them through observation and data collection.
- I understand that scientific knowledge is built through collaboration between cultures across space and time.
Essential Questions
- Why did our ancestors care so much about the stars and planets?
- How can learning about our past help me understand our present?
Lesson Plan
Begin with this video from Al-Jazeera: هارون الرشيد وابنه المأمون.. زمن بغداد الذهبي
You also have the option of the two read alouds included in the optional materials.
As you watch the video, prompt your learners to think about why Harun Al-Rashid and his son were determined to translate scientific texts from different empires like Greece and India. Why did science and astronomy in particular mean so much to them?
Discuss: What propels Harun AlRashid on their quest for knowledge? What impact do they have on their community? What about all the scientists who flourished under their patronage?
Materials
INCLUDED MATERIALS
NEEDED MATERIALS
- Science journals
Astronomy · 10 lessons
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