Kim+Lazzaro

Unit: Africa Grade 3


 * Major Understandings**
 * Students will identify similarities and differences between our culture and environment and African cultures and environment.**
 * Project Look Sharp slide show. Discuss preconceived ideas students have about Africa
 * Read about modern cities and traditional cultural groups of Africa- make project, postcard, or book to present
 * Research the three major biomes of Africa (desert, rainforest, savanna)
 * Put together giant map of Africa and shade in your square according to type of biome.


 * Students will understand that African culture has both a historic and current influence on American culture.**
 * Spice Girl video- Zanzibar Spice Island
 * Ethiopia gave world coffee
 * Slave trade introduction
 * African influence on music


 * Teachers will present information using concrete objects**
 * artifacts from OMNI Africa kit.
 * trip to Johnson Art Museum
 * Share Egyptian artifacts
 * maps
 * music
 * food
 * dance


 * Essential Questions**
 * What is the value of teaching third graders about Africa?
 * What impact will this information have on the students' global perspective?
 * What is the most developmentally appropriate way to introduce the varied lifestyles and belief systems of African nations?
 * How can instructors dispel any stereotypical ideas about Africa?