Tour of Baghdad: The Islamic Golden Age (self-guided tour)

Students follow a Google Slides presentation full of images, maps, and facts about the Islamic Golden Age and one of the greatest cities in human history! Along the way they learn about trade routes, the importance of canals, the role of the Islamic Caliph, and the amazing advancements from the House of Wisdom: Algebra, Medicine, Geography, and more! Along with the good and glorious of the Islamic Golden Age, students are also introduced to trouble in the region, revolts, and the reliance on slave labor. This activity comes with a Google Slides presentation for students to navigate on their own as well as a handout with 17 questions to guide students "on their tour."

The final slide and questions surround a primary source written by an Abbasid Caliphate historian over 1100 years ago! My students enjoy the lesson, and I enjoy a day of being a "guide on the side" rather than a "sage on the stage."