SHS1 Social Studies · Semester 2 Week 1: Civilisations of Africa

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.5.3.LI.1 - Examine the origins, rise and fall of empires in the Western Sudanese region of Africa

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Locate the Western Sudanese region of Africa on a map and identify the geographical boundaries of the empires of Ghana, Mali, Songhai, and Kanem Bornu.
Explain the origins of at least three of the four major Western Sudanese empires, including key founding figures and approximate time periods.
Analyse the factors that contributed to the rise of these empires, such as strategic location, leadership, trade, and religion.
Evaluate the internal and external factors that led to the fall and eventual collapse of these empires.
Create a chronological timeline showing the sequence of these empires and their relative periods of power.

Sign in with your phone number to read the full note and download the GES plan - free.

Sign in with phone number

Curriculum details

Strand: Ethics and Human Development (Strand 5)
Sub-strand: Civilisations of Africa (5.3)
Content standard: 1.5.3.CS.2 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the rise and fall of major empires that existed in the Western Sudanese region of Africa 1.5.3.LO.2
Indicator: 1.5.3.LI.1 - Examine the origins, rise and fall of empires in the Western Sudanese region of Africa
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 1 (Week 21 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. 37

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Collaborative learning:
- In a jigsaw activity, learners trace the origins of the ancient empires of Ghana, Mali, Songhai, and Kanem Bornu
- In small groups, learners develop chronological timelines to show the origin of the empires of Western Sudanese States
Project-based learning: Learners explore sources to analyse the factors that led to the rise and spread of the Western Sudanese States, e.g., leadership, role of religion, strategic location
Cooperative learning: In a graffiti wall activity, learners discuss factors that led to the fall and eventual collapse of the Western Sudanese States
Project-based learning: In a jigsaw activity, learners create charts, timelines and simulations on how the legacies of Western Sudanese empires are reflected in contemporary societies
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Ancient map of Africa showing the
- Western Sudanese States
- Internet access
- A chronological timeline showing the origins of the Western
- Sudanese States
- Primary sources on the emergence of the Western Sudanese States
- Virtual Field Trips (VFTs), on arts, architectural and religious features of ancient African civilisations
- Stationery
Assessment (1.5.3.AS.1). The document marks no depth-of-knowledge level for this indicator.