Geography of Africa

I. The Dark Continent

Africa has been known as the “Dark Continent”, a land of mystery and the unknown. It has been isolated for many years. This is because of Africa’s geography. The only thing that was known about Africa was the SaharaDesert, the world’s largest desert in North Africa. The SaharaDesert is larger than the whole United States. It extends from the Red Sea in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The desert is made up mostly of rock than sand. Because the SaharaDesert is so large, it has been an obstacle (blockage) to travel between North Africa and Central Africa. As a result, it has limited cultural diffusion (the exchange of ideas) between the heartland of Africa and the Mediterranean coastlands. Another factor has also caused Africa to be isolated was its unbroken and irregular coastline in sub-Sahara Africa (below the SaharaDesert). Due to an irregular coastline, there are few natural harbors for ships to anchor in for trading and exploration. It is also difficult for ships to sail northward along the west coast because the winds and ocean currents are always from the northeast. Because of Africa’s complex geography, there are many different African groups. They organize themselves to meet their political, economic, and social needs. In the varied regions of Africa, climate and topography (landforms) influence how each community developed and lived.

DIRECTIONS: You will be broken up into nomadic “tribes”. Your tribe will wander around the room to the different geographic features that make up the continent of Africa. At each station you will fill in the pros and cons chart. Use the keywords below to help you while you read.

Keywords:

  • Arable—land good for farming
  • Arid—very dry climate
  • Desertification—when fertile land dry out and becomes desert
  • Scarce—limited; short supply
  • Diversity—different; a wide variety
  • Geography—study of earth’s land and water features (ex: a peninsula- land surrounded by water on 3 sides.)

GEOGRAPHIC REGION / PROS (GOOD THINGS) / CONS (BAD THINGS)
RAINFOREST
SAVANNA
NORTH AFRICA
SAHARADESERT
SAHEL
  • Oasis—areas located in deserts that have water to support animal and plant life

Name: ______Band: ______

GEOGRAPHY OF ARICA

DIRECTIONS: After analyzing the pros and cons of different regions in Africa. Write an argumentative response below explaining which region of Africa your tribe would want to live in and reasons why, as well as a counter argument.

Africa is the second largest continent. Its size and location contribute to its diverse geography. This diversity has greatly influenced the diversity of culture found in Africa. The different geographic features have also influenced where people would settle and begin civilizations. There are five main geographic regions in Africa and the (name the region your tribe chose) ______is the best to begin a civilization.

There are many reasons why(name the region your tribe chose) ______is the best location to begin a civilization. One reason is (state reason) ______

______. This would be important for people starting a civilization because (explain the reason stated above) ______

______.

Another reason why the (name the region)______is a good location (state a second reason)____________.

This is important because (explain the second reason) ______

______. There are many positive reasons why a civilization should live in (name region chosen) ______, but there are also negative reasons as well. For example (state and explain one negative reason of the region chosen) __

______

However, this is still a better location to start a civilization than (name one region that your tribe would not live in) ____________. This is a bad location to start a civilization because (explain the negative of this region)______

______.

EXCELLENT
  • Argues a side accurately using relevant information in the written statement that demonstrates a clear and detailed understanding of Africa’s geography.
  • Accurately and clearly gives details counter arguing Africa’s geography.
  • Uses key words accurately.
  • Product is creative, accurate, and complete.
/ GOOD
  • Argues a side using relevant information in the written statement that demonstrates an understanding of Africa’s geography.
  • Has a counter argument about Africa’s geography.
  • Uses key words in which most are accurately used.
  • Product is complete and creative.
/ SATISFACTORY
  • Argues a side
  • Uses supporting details that are relevant, but limited, general, or inconsistent in the written statement about Africa’s geography.
  • Counter argument about Africa’s geography is unclear.
  • Does not use key words and/or does not display a clear understanding of the definition.
  • Product is complete.
/ UNSATISFACTORY
  • Does not argue a side and or does not argue a side accurately.
  • There are minimal details and/or details given are not accurate about Africa’sgeography.
  • Does not accurately present a counter argument.
  • Key words are not used or inaccurate.
  • Product is incomplete