Africa

Media Guide

Africa Unit Guide

Africa Lecture Notes

I. Geography and Society of Western Africa

a. This covers the 5 major geographic regions of Africa as well as a very brief explanation of oral history. Included in my notes but not online is an "Animal Break" section about gorillas. I use a clip from Wildboyz here. It helps break up what is an otherwise very text heavy lecture. Also of note, I no longer include the folk tales or proverbs section in the lecture as I cover those in the Culture Shock.

b. Africa Walkthru

II. Government and Economics

a. Day 2 of the notes examines the impact Islam had in Africa by looking at Arabian traders and the Salt Trade. It also looks at Africa government briefly with a focus on Mansa Musa and his pilgrimage. I have an animal break here about camels and their impact on the expansion of the desert trade routes.

b. Africa Culture Shock-

Admittedly not my best work but the kids enjoyed it well enough. The first shock involves designing a game to be played in the desert (my personal favorites: Pin the Tail on the Camel, Camel Tipping and Lizard Darts). The second is about oral history. I read my students The Battle of Kirina and have them attempt to tell it back to me orally and see what details are lost. It works with any Africa folk tale and actually a bit better as those tend to be more interesting. The final section is about Africa proverbs and, while basic, was fun for my students.