Students are introduced to the physical geography of West and Central Africa. They identify all 24 countries and major bodies of water on a map. Then they create a map that illustrates some of the geographical features of the region. Next, students research one of the countries and report on their findings. Finally, students research and explain one of the environmental challenges for this region.
Students read an introduction to the geography of West and Central Africa, including the lesson objectives, then respond on a discussion wall by predicting the geographic characteristics of West and Central Africa and how it differs from North Africa.
Teacher MovesClarify that the region is generally wetter than North Africa and characterized by savanna, woodland, forest, and wetlands. Invite students to name any countries they recognize on the map and connect their predictions to what they will learn in later scenes.
Students are introduced to the exploration of West and Central Africa and use a blank regional map to label the 24 countries, the Niger and Congo Rivers, and the Atlantic Ocean, using an online political map of Africa for reference. They then examine additional interactive maps, including Climate Zones, a natural disaster hot spots map, and a language diversity map, to investigate climate patterns, disaster risks, and linguistic diversity. Students capture a screenshot of their completed map, upload it with a title, and complete a graphic organizer by recording observations or conclusions about climate zones, natural disaster hot spots, and language diversity in West and Central Africa.
Teacher MovesSupport students in accessing and navigating the online maps and, if needed, demonstrate how to take and upload screenshots on classroom devices. Facilitate a class discussion of students’ observations from the graphic organizer, surfacing prior knowledge about drought, disasters, and cultural diversity, and preview that students will next research individual countries in the region.
Students research the geography of an assigned West or Central African country using online resources such as Exploring Africa: Country Overviews and Contemporary Political Map of Africa’s Natural Resources. They create a report that may include information on capital, population, government, religions, languages, natural resources, and images, and share it on a class discussion wall or via a linked digital presentation tool. After posting, students review reports from at least three other countries and comment on similarities between those countries and their own assigned country.
Teacher MovesAssign each student a different country from the region and clarify expectations for the research report and acceptable digital tools. Monitor research and wall posts, prompting students to compare and contrast countries’ physical and human geography. If time allows, organize whole-class or small-group presentations so students can share and synthesize what they have learned about multiple countries.
Students choose one environmental challenge affecting West and Central Africa—such as hazardous e-waste recycling in Agbogbloshie, deforestation in the Congo Basin, or lack of clean water—and read more about it using resources like Hazardous e-waste recycling in Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana, Timber demand soars, forests shrink, species disappear, Water Project, or Charity Water. On a discussion wall, they define the problem, describe its impacts on the region and its people, and explain possible solutions, then review classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with questions or positive comments.
Teacher MovesGuide students in selecting and accessing appropriate resources and ensure they understand the three-part response (definition, impacts, solutions). Facilitate a class conversation about which issues most concern students and brainstorm realistic ways the class might contribute to solutions, even on a small scale, while reinforcing respectful, constructive online discussion norms.
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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