Jerusalem: Then & Now (Grades 6-8)

Why This Jerusalem Video for Kids Is Perfect for Grades 6–8

📽️ Step into one of the most iconic cities in history with this Jerusalem video for kids, crafted specifically for upper elementary and middle-grade learners. This short, powerful lesson brings to life the stories of ancient empires, sacred landmarks, and faith traditions that shaped human civilization. With captivating visuals, clear narration, and classroom-friendly tone, this video makes even complex historical themes feel approachable and meaningful.

🌍 Discover a City Like No Other
Transport your classroom to one of the world’s most iconic cities—Jerusalem. In Jerusalem: Then and Now, students explore thousands of years of history in just a few captivating minutes. This video brings to life the geography, cultural layers, and sacred landmarks of a city central to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Through thoughtful narration and vivid visuals, students gain an appreciation for how religion, conflict, and culture have all shaped Jerusalem.

✨ Connect Religion, Geography, and History in One Lesson

From the ancient stories of Abraham and King David to the solemn path of Jesus along the Via Dolorosa, the video takes students on a timeline of faith and tradition. They’ll learn about sacred sites like the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, and Church of the Holy Sepulchre — and discover why Jerusalem remains a deeply spiritual destination today. The balance of old and new is evident as the class explores the contrast between East and West Jerusalem.

🌍 Teachers will love how seamlessly this video supports curriculum goals across world history, geography, and social studies. From the Western Wall to the Dome of the Rock, students will tour the heart of Jerusalem while learning about the significance of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The lesson also introduces cultural diversity and modern-day Jerusalem, helping students build a deeper understanding of the region’s past and present.

📚 Whether you’re teaching a unit on world religions, Middle Eastern geography, or ancient civilizations, this Jerusalem video for kids delivers high-impact content that’s flexible for whole-group instruction, stations, or independent study. No prep needed—just press play and start meaningful conversations.

🕊️ Inspire students to think globally by showing how one city has influenced billions across centuries. This is more than a geography lesson—it’s a window into belief systems, history, and global citizenship. Your students will walk away more informed, more curious, and more connected to the world around them.

Video length: 20:45 minutes.

Worksheets

Quiz

Religions of Jerusalem

Set in Jerusalem Writing Prompt

Draw a Scene

Universal Resources

National Standards

Topics Covered

Jerusalem – global location

Geography

Dome of the Rock

Abraham & monotheism

City of David

Temple Mount

Western Wall & Judaism

Gardens of Gethsemane

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Mohammed

East Jerusalem – Old City

Citadel, Tower of David, & Rampart Walk

Jewish, Muslim, Christian, & Armenian Quarters

Via Dolorosa

Yemin Moshe

Mea Shearim

West Jerusalem

The Knesset

The Israel Museum

Yad Vashem

The many religious observances

Cuisine

Classroom Ideas

Timeline of Jerusalem

Create a timeline showing the history of Jerusalem from ancient times to modern civilization.

Mapping

Have students print out a map of Jerusalem and identify where the sites in the video are located. 

International Cuisine

Explore signature foods from Israel.

Local Festivals

Have students research Israeli festivals at the local, state, and national levels.

Religion in Jerusalem

Compare/contrast the history and central beliefs of the three major religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) in Jerusalem. 

Music

Listen to music from Israel.

Art

Draw a scene from the video you just watched.

Creative Writing

Write a story with Jerusalem as the setting. The main character could be from another country (compare and contrast characters). 

Classroom Ideas for ALL Videos

Dozens and dozens of ideas that you can use in your classroom along with our videos!

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