Students get an overview of the history of ancient Egypt, focusing on the ancient Egyptians’ emphasis on the afterlife. Then they trace the more recent history of North Africa, from colonization to independence to today. Finally, students explore through writing what it might be like to reclaim a community after it has been colonized.
Students are introduced to the idea that Africa is a diverse continent and read an overview of the lesson focus on ancient Egypt and North Africa. They respond to a word cloud prompt about what a historical photo suggests about the past and present. Students then read sections of Ancient Egypt to learn about early settlement along the Nile, the unification of Egypt, and early developments such as hieroglyphic writing and pyramid building, and post their ideas about significant developments from this period to a collaborative wall.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives, emphasizing the diversity of North Africa’s history. Prompt students to look closely at the image and share brief, thoughtful responses in the word cloud. After students post to the wall, highlight key developments in early Egyptian history (Nile Valley settlement, unification, hieroglyphics, pyramids) to ensure common understanding before moving on.
Students view an image of the pyramids and watch the video Ancient Egypt to learn about major achievements and “firsts” of the civilization. They answer two polls about Egyptian innovations and beliefs about the afterlife. Students then explore the website Ancient Egypt to investigate features such as pharaohs, pyramids, mummies, the Great Sphinx, the journey of the dead, Egyptian writing, and the Valley of the Kings, recording notes for each category in a graphic organizer.
Teacher MovesUse the image and video to spark curiosity about ancient Egypt’s accomplishments and worldview. Review poll responses to clarify key innovations and the Egyptian belief in an afterlife. Monitor students’ note-taking in the graphic organizer, and if many miss important information, pause to discuss each of the seven features as a class. Encourage students to explore additional site content if time allows, then lead a discussion on how Egyptian views of life, death, and the afterlife shaped their society.
Students are introduced to the focus on modern North Africa’s history, including colonization, independence, and current politics. Using a blank map of North Africa, they label each country, its colonizing power, and its date of independence based on information from Politics of North Africa. In assigned small groups, students research one North African country and create a timeline with at least eight significant historical events, including facts about early history, colonization, and the current government, and upload or create their timeline on a shared canvas. Finally, they review other groups’ timelines and participate in a whole-class discussion comparing similarities and differences among the countries’ histories.
Teacher MovesExplain the purpose of examining North Africa’s more recent history and guide students in using the blank map to connect political history to geography. Assign each small group a different North African country and ensure each group designates a recorder to create and upload the timeline. After timelines are shared, invite representatives to present their country’s history, then facilitate a class discussion highlighting common patterns of colonization, independence, and governance, and prompt students to consider the problems and long-term impacts caused by colonization.
Students imagine re-establishing a community after being freed from a conquering power, reflecting on how colonization might have affected daily life and freedoms. They write a letter explaining the most important values for their new community, drawing lessons from past experiences with colonization and describing how those lessons should shape the rebuilt community.
Teacher MovesPrompt students to connect their understanding of colonization and independence to the personal, human experience of rebuilding a community. After students submit letters, select and share one or two compelling examples with the class, using them to spark discussion about values, rights, and how historical experiences can inform the design of a just society.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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