Discover Africa: Learn about Geography, Culture, Folktales, and more!
What's included
6 live meetings
4 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
Students may bring their uncompleted their projects home.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 5
Are you ready to escape for a fun cultural adventure? In this class, students will explore some of the rich cultures that make up the African continent. The continent offers a diversity of cultural experiences that makes it unique and very fascinating to explore. This is an introductory course intended to give learners a general overview of Africa’s cultural diversity and provide a balanced perspective of the ways of life experienced across the continent. Please note that not all countries will be mentioned. We will focus on a few countries from different regions and discuss some aspects of their culture. Students will be engaged with hands-on activities related to the lesson. Instruction is delivered through slideshow presentations with videos and pictures. Classes will generally begin with a brief introduction of the day's objectives, followed by a time of instruction, questions & discussion, and end with a craft or game time. Below is a detailed breakdown of what to expect in each class: Day 1: Introduction to the countries and geography of Africa The class will begin class with a study of the continent's physical geography and sub-regions. We will also learn about the languages that are widely spoken. Activity: Map & Flags Day 2: Landmarks and Wildlife We will check out some amazing landmarks from North to South. We'll explore the famous Great Pyramids of Giza, and Mount Kilimanjaro, among others. We will also explore the savanna to discover some of the animals that live there. This is not intended to be a detailed study of each animal. Activity: Animal drawing/ Coloring Day 3: African Art & Clothing Through pictures, students will observe different works of art and we’ll discuss their symbolism. We’ll also look at some of the traditional ways of dressing across the continent. Activity: Tribal Mask Day 4: African music & dance We will explore African music & dance. We take a look at some musical instruments and how music is an integral part of everyday life in many cultures. Activity: Shakers Day 5: African food What do Africans eat? Students will discover some of the staple foods that are grown and eaten in different parts of the continent. We will make a simple dessert from South Africa. Activity: Baking Day 6: Stories, Folktales & Games Students will listen to a traditional folktale and play games to review all we have studied. Activity: Games PLEASE NOTE: This course focuses on the elements of culture across the continent. Therefore, topics surrounding its history and ancient civilizations, colonialism, slave trade, and other historical events will not be taught. I look forward to having this adventure with your learners!
Learning Goals
The goal of this course is to introduce students to the beauty of the African continent and its rich cultures. The continent has become synonymous with poverty, violence, disease, and little mention of the positives. It is my hope that at the end of the course, students will have a deep appreciation for the continent's diversity and the uniqueness of each country we learn about.
At the end of the course students should be able to:
~Name and locate the region of some countries in Africa and name their capital cities.
~Complete projects that relate to the aspects of culture across the continent.
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to the Countries and Geography of Africa
A study of the continent's physical geography and sub-regions.
Activity: Map & Flags
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Landmarks and Wildlife
Students explore some of the continent's famous landmarks and wildlife.
Activity: Animal drawing/ Coloring
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
African Art and Clothing
Students observe different works of African art and discuss their symbolism.
Activity: Tribal Mask
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
African Music and Dance
Students explore some African musical instruments and learn about the importance of music and dance in everyday life for many African ethnic groups.
Activity: Shakers
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
We will have lots of hands-on activities or projects to complete each week during the course. While these projects are simple and easy to complete, please stay close to provide some help with using the scissor depending on your child's ability and level of comfort.
In our fifth meeting, students will be guided to prepare a simple desert from South Africa. Adult supervision is needed during class and also to help your student get other ingredients ready for the class.
Supply List
A supply list will be provided in the classroom a week in advance before we begin. Please get the following supplies ready for Day 1: -Glue stick -Scissors -Toothpick -Square styrofoam board ( at least size 12'' by 12'' )
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
- blooket for games. We will also make use of other websites to watch videos related to what is being studied.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree from Univeersity of Ghana
Bachelor's Degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
I have my Bachelors and Masters degrees in Sociology and have taken courses such as Political economies of African States, Sociology of the Third World, Social Development of Africa economies, and Symbolism in Africa amongst others. I have personally researched and studied the continent.
In addition to my educational background, I grew up in Ghana (West Africa), hence I have had first-hand experience and a good understanding of some of its cultures.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$90
for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
45 min
Completed by 15 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
3-8 learners per class