Africa Unit

Deana M. Jaeschke

Central Middle School, White Bear Lake, MN

This is a teaching unit on Africa that emphasizes the understanding of the political geography of Africa. The unit was created for the use in an 8^th grade World Geography class. The unit emphasizes student led discussions and simulations.

Theme:

Africa

Grade Level:

8^th Grade

Title of Lesson:

Introduction: Conceptualizing Africa

Overview:

The intent of the lesson is to assess prior knowledge of Africa and to serve as an anticipatory set for the entire unit.

Time:

75-100 Minutes

Subjects:

Geography, World Cultures, Social Studies, World Studies

Required Materials:

· KWL Chart- Printable versions available at: http://teachervision.com/lesson-plans/lesson-4301.html

· Data Table from “Food for Thought Simulation” (see prerequisite knowledge) or a handout of standard of living data based on world region or continent can substitute as well

Objectives:

· Students will demonstrate prior knowledge of Africa

· Students will identify issues, places, and regions of Africa that they would like to know more about

· Students will build and demonstrate critical thinking skills by formulating statements and questions of the standard of living data that compares world regions

Prerequisite Knowledge:

· Students will have participated in the “Food for Thought” simulation sponsored by the Population Reference Bureau. It promotes understanding of world region standard of living data and allows a context for discussion of each world region.

http://www.prb.org/

http://www.prb.org/template.cfm?Section=LessonPlans&Template=/LessonPlans.cfm

· Students are familiar with “KWL” Strategy

Teaching Suggestions:

· KWL Charts should be done individually. It is a straightforward means of assessing prior knowledge and it is broad enough to incorporate all levels of academic ability.

· The statements and questions of the data can be done individually, in partners, or as groups. Partner groupings seem to generate more analytical thinking.

Student Activities/ Discussion Questions:

I. KWL (What I know, What I want to know, What I learned)

1. (5-10 Min.) Students fill out “K” section

2. (5-10 Min.) Pair share or teacher led discussion of “K” section

3. (5-10 Min.) Students fill out “W” section. This is done separately from the “K” due to the discussion creating points of interest and prompting more students to recall prior knowledge

4. (5-10 Min.) Pair share or teacher led discussion of “W” section

II. Data Sheet Statement and Questions

1. Students use data sheet to write 5 statements about Africa’s standard of living data. Students should be encouraged to compare and contrast data.

2. Students write 5 questions about the data. When the statements are completed first, the questions generated usually display higher order thinking skills.

Closure/ Reflection/ Assessment Activities:

· This lesson has formed the anticipatory set for the unit. The teacher should state to the student which concepts will be discussed in the forthcoming unit. Further, this can serve a tool for the teacher to perhaps add lessons to meet the interests of the students.

· These items should be collected in order to assess prior knowledge and learning preferences

· KWL Chart, Section “L” serves as an informal assessment upon completion of the unit

RESOURCE BAR

Geography Standards:

National Geography Standards

4, 5, 9, 11, 16

Web Links for Teachers and Students:

Food For Thought: http://www.prb.org/template.cfm?Section=LessonPlans&Template=/LessonPlans.cfm

KWL Chart: http://teachervision.com/lesson-plans/lesson-4301.html

Credits

Deana M. Jaeschke

World Geography Teacher

Central Middle School

White Bear Lake, MN

dmjaes@wbl.whitebear.k12.mn.us