The Scramble for Africa: A History lesson

Lesson Plan: Grade 8 History - The Scramble for Africa: Results of Colonisation Lesson Duration: 45 Minutes Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to explain the causes and results of the scramble for Africa and demonstrate understanding of colonial legacies. Materials Needed: 1. Textbook: World History textbook (Chapter focusing on the Scramble for Africa) 2. Map: Africa during colonisation 3. Handout: Brief summary of key points, Discussion questions 4. Multi-media: Computer/Projector for PowerPoint slides 5. Notebook/Pen for taking notes Lesson Procedure: Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin by presenting a map of Africa during the period of colonisation. 2. Briefly discuss the concept of the Scramble for Africa as a time when European countries sought to divide and control Africa. 3. Draw attention to how the geography of Africa changed during this time, and how arbitrary divisions were made without the input of African societies. 4. Afterwards, direct a brief classroom discussion on why the European nations might have desired control over Africa. Development (25 minutes): 1. Hand out the summary papers while briefly covering the causes of the Scramble for Africa. 2. Discuss the key points for the ‘Results of Colonisation.’ This includes: a. Economic Impacts: Exploitation of resources, focus on cash crops, and destabilization of African economies. b. Political Changes: European systems of governance, creation of new nation-states, and national borders. c. Social and Cultural Shifts: Introduction of European languages, education, and religion, disruption of African cultures, traditions, and social structures. d. Health and Demographic Effects: Spread of diseases like smallpox and influenza, and the Transatlantic slave trade. 3. During discussion, display the PowerPoint slides to visually aid learning comprehension and emphasize important points. 4. Encourage student participation by asking questions and allow students to share their thoughts. Conclusion (10 minutes): 1. Summarize the key points of the lesson focusing on the economic, social, political and demographic results of colonisation. 2. Ask the students how colonisation has shaped modern Africa and its relationship with the rest of the world. 3. Assign homework which will help students investigate further into the consequences of colonisation on individual African nations. They should find information on how colonisation specifically impacted the country’s culture, economy, and political structure. 4. Remind students that understanding the past is crucial to addressing contemporary issues, and that this is especially true when discussing the results of Africa's colonisation. Evaluation/Assessment: 1. Class participation: Students will be assessed through their responses to questions and involvement in lesson discussions. 2. Homework: Students will be evaluated on their research and understanding of the topic. Note: Ensure to strike a balance when discussing the scramble for Africa, it's essential not to paint Africa as mere victims of European greed but underscore their resistance and agency within these historical experiences.