Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
08/29/2016
What is Halal meat?
Some groups in Europe and the United States have sounded dire warnings about Halal meat. Halal refers to food that is permissible for Muslims to eat. Like Kosher meat for Jews, Halal meat comes from an animal that is slaughtered by cutting its throat and draining all the blood – a practice that helps prevent foodborne illness. Similar to kosher meat, the person who carries out the slaughter must be of practicing faith. Halal meat is blessed with a prayer.
■Class discussion: Are you suspicious of Halal meat? Why or why not? What about Kosher food? Is the negative reaction to Halal food the result of bias and antagonism against Muslims? Have other ethnic foods been viewed suspiciously in the United States? How much do you know about where your food comes from? Do you know what chemicals and drugs are used to produce the food on your plate?