SHS1 Social Studies · Semester 1 Week 1: A geographical and historical sketch of Africa

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.1.1.LI.1 - Describe the major geographic features and ecosystems of Africa, e.g., rivers, deserts, mountains, coastlines, vegetations

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Locate and identify the major rivers, deserts, mountains, coastlines and vegetation zones of Africa on a physical map of the continent.
Locate and identify key geographical features of Ghana, including the Pra and Volta rivers, the Akwapim-Togo Range and the Gambaga escarpment.
Describe the distinguishing characteristics of at least three African ecosystems, such as the Sahara Desert, the tropical rainforest and the savannah.
Use map-reading skills to compare the physical features of different regions of Africa and explain how these features vary across the continent.
Work collaboratively in mixed-gender and mixed-ability groups to present a labelled map showing the major geographic features of Africa.

This lesson opens the sub-strand on the geographical and historical sketch of Africa. It focuses only on describing and locating features. The analysis of how these features influenced agriculture, trade and settlement is scheduled for Week 2 and will not be covered in depth today.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Identity, Significance and Purpose (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: A geographical and historical sketch of Africa (1.1)
Content standard: 1.1.1.CS.1 - Demonstrate understanding of the diverse geographical features and resources of Africa and their impact on early human development 1.1.1.LO.1 Use maps to describe key geographical features of Africa and how they shaped Africa's ancient societies
Indicator: 1.1.1.LI.1 - Describe the major geographic features and ecosystems of Africa, e.g., rivers, deserts, mountains, coastlines, vegetations
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 1 (Week 1 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 26

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Interactive map exploration:
- With the aid of maps of Ghana, learners identify geographical features, e.g., rivers (Pra, Ankobra, Volta, etc.), mountains (Akwapim-Togo Range, Gambaga escarpment, etc.), vegetations (savannah, forest, coastal)
- With the aid of maps of Africa, learners identify the location of major geographic features and ecosystems of Africa, e.g., rivers (Nile, Niger, Congo), deserts (Sahara, Namib, Kalahari), mountains (Kilimanjaro, Guinea and Ethiopian Highlands), coastlines, vegetation
- With the aid of maps, videos or pictures, learners explore these features interactively and describe them
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Maps of Ghana and Africa showing different geographical features
- Pictures, videos and digital maps showing different geographical features and ecosystems in Africa
- Age-appropriate texts exploring the
- Interactive maps and websites with impact of geography on agriculture, trade, and settlement patterns
- Documentaries and educational videos exploring specific themes like the Nile River's role in Egyptian agriculture
- historical and physical maps allowing students to explore geographical features, trade routes, and settlement patterns across Africa.
Assessment (1.1.1.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning.