Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | African Kingdoms: Kush, Axum, and Ghana

Objectives

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to provide students with a clear and detailed understanding of the African kingdoms of Kush, Axum, and Ghana. Through the study of their formations, political and commercial relations, students will develop practical skills that are essential for historical analysis and connection to the job market, such as research capability, critical analysis, and interpretation of historical data. This deep understanding will allow students to make relevant connections between the past and the present, applying the knowledge acquired in contemporary and professional contexts.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the formation and development of the African kingdoms of Kush, Axum, and Ghana during Antiquity and the Middle Ages.

2. Analyze the political and commercial relations of these kingdoms with other civilizations.

Side Objectives

1. Identify the cultural and technological contributions of the African kingdoms.
2. Recognize the historical and economic importance of these kingdoms in global history.

Introduction

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to spark students' interest in the topic by contextualizing the historical importance of the African kingdoms and connecting them with applicable skills and knowledge in the job market. This introduction aims to engage students from the outset, providing a solid foundation for further in-depth study in the upcoming stages of the lesson.

Contextualization

The African kingdoms of Kush, Axum, and Ghana played crucial roles in ancient and medieval history, influencing not only the African continent but also other regions of the world. These kingdoms were centers of power, culture, and trade, establishing networks that connected Africa with Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Understanding the formation and development of these kingdoms enables us to appreciate the complexity and richness of African history, which is often underrepresented in traditional curricula.

Curiosities and Market Connection

The kingdoms of Kush, Axum, and Ghana were known for their wealth, especially in gold, which was one of the main drivers of global trade at the time. For example, the Kingdom of Ghana was so rich in gold that its reserves were legendary, attracting traders from around the world. In the modern job market, negotiation and trade skills, essential in these kingdoms, are highly valued in areas such as international trade, finance, and international relations. Additionally, the ability to conduct critical analysis and interpret historical data developed through the study of these kingdoms is applicable in professions such as historian, public policy analyst, and educator.

Initial Activity

Show a short video (3-5 minutes) about the wealth and importance of the African kingdoms of Kush, Axum, and Ghana. After the video, pose the following provocative question: 'How do you think the gold wealth of the African kingdoms influenced their commercial and political relations with other civilizations?' Guide the students to discuss in small groups for 5 minutes and then share their ideas with the class.

Development

Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to deepen students' knowledge of the African kingdoms of Kush, Axum, and Ghana through practical and interactive activities. This will enable students to apply the knowledge acquired in real contexts and develop relevant skills such as research, critical analysis, teamwork, and communication. The combination of practical construction and critical reflection aims to solidify students' understanding of the historical and economic significance of these kingdoms and their connections to the contemporary job market.

Covered Topics

1. Formation of the kingdoms of Kush, Axum, and Ghana
2. Political relations of these kingdoms with other civilizations
3. Commercial and economic relations of the kingdoms
4. Cultural and technological contributions of the kingdoms
5. Historical and economic importance of the kingdoms in global history

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how the kingdoms of Kush, Axum, and Ghana managed to maintain and expand their political and commercial influences amid internal and external challenges. Ask how these strategies can be compared to modern management and leadership practices. Encourage students to think about the resilience and adaptability of these kingdoms and the importance of these qualities in the contemporary job market.

Mini Challenge

Building a Medieval Trade Network

Students will be divided into groups and tasked with creating a simulation of a trade network between the kingdoms of Kush, Axum, and Ghana and other civilizations of the time. They should use various materials (such as cardboard, markers, string, etc.) to create visual maps that demonstrate these trade connections.

Instructions

1. Divide the class into groups of 4 to 5 students.
2. Distribute materials such as cardboard, poster boards, markers, string, and other crafting items.
3. Ask each group to choose one of the kingdoms (Kush, Axum, or Ghana) as a starting point for their trade network.
4. Groups should research and identify the main trade routes, products exchanged, and trading partners of the chosen kingdoms.
5. Instruct groups to draw maps representing these routes and trade connections using the provided materials.
6. Each group should prepare a brief presentation (3-5 minutes) to explain their trade network and the choices made in constructing the map.

Objective: Develop practical understanding of the trade routes and economic relations of the African kingdoms, as well as promote skills in research, teamwork, and presentation.

Duration: 30 - 40 minutes

Evaluation Exercises

1. List three main products that were traded by the kingdoms of Kush, Axum, and Ghana and their respective trade routes.
2. Describe the main political strategies used by the African kingdoms to maintain their regional influences.
3. Explain how the geographical location of each kingdom influenced its commercial and political relations.
4. Compare the cultural contributions of Kush, Axum, and Ghana with those of other civilizations of the same period.

Conclusion

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate students' learning by promoting critical and integrative reflection on the content studied. The conclusion aims to ensure that students understand the historical and contemporary relevance of the African kingdoms, as well as recognize the applicability of the skills developed throughout the lesson in professional and personal contexts.

Discussion

💬 Promote a final discussion with the students about the main points addressed in the class. Question them on how the political and commercial relations of the kingdoms of Kush, Axum, and Ghana can be compared to modern management and trade practices. Encourage them to reflect on the challenges and exercises performed, highlighting the practical skills developed and how these skills can apply in contemporary contexts. Ask how understanding these ancient civilizations can influence their perceptions of Africa and its global importance.

Summary

📜 Summarize the main contents presented: the formation and development of the kingdoms of Kush, Axum, and Ghana; their political and commercial relations; cultural and technological contributions; and the historical and economic importance of these kingdoms. Emphasize how the lesson connected historical theory with practical activities and applications in the job market.

Closing

🔗 Explain the importance of the topic for the daily lives of students, highlighting how the study of ancient African kingdoms promotes a broader and more inclusive understanding of global history. Emphasize that the skills of critical analysis, research, and teamwork developed are valuable in various professions and everyday situations.