Bell Ringer Questions for the Week of August 18 – August 29
August 18
What do you already know about Africa?
Can you think of any events or issues that are currently affecting the African continent?
August 19
What is the large desert in North Africa called? It is bigger than the size of which country?
Turn to page 268 in your textbook. Most of the major cities in Africa are located next to what?
August 20
What is a natural resource? (Hint: Check the glossary in your text book, page 740)
Why might there be few natural resources located in North Africa?
August 21
What is the name of the largest river in Africa? In what direction does it flow?
What is the name of the largest mountain in Africa? What land feature is south of this mountain?
August 22
What is the Ivory Trade?
Why would some people want to stop this trade? Why would some people want to continue this trade?
August 25
How many of the richest countries in the world are located in Africa? How many of the poorest countries in the world are located in Africa?
How do you think the first civilizations in West Africa were started?
August 26
Who was Mansa Musa?
How did the spread of Islam affect civilizations in West Africa?
August 27
Just Imagine
Pretend you are standing in a bustling trading center in Ghana. What products are being traded? (Remember the “silent trade” of gold.) What are the merchants quibbling about? What are the smells in the air? The sounds? Write a poem or an essay about your “virtual” experience. Must be at least one paragraph and no more than 4 sentences.
August 28
What were the two major items exchanged in West African trade centers?
What is the purpose of the “silent barter” or “silent trade” system?
August 29
No School/No Bell Ringer