Muslim American identities and diversity

This article consists of two parts. The first part provides an overview of Muslim Americans and the role of Islam in their lives. The second part of the article includes a classroom exercise about how to teach Islam and Muslim Americans The main vehicle for this exercise is a PBS documentary titled Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet. The exercise demonstrates one way to introduce some Islamic principles through a documentary, thereby demystifying Islam for many of our non-Muslim students. The exercise is appropriate for students in grades 9 through 12, and can be adapted for use in middle schools as well.