Context

Migration flows are an intrinsic characteristic of human society, representing the diverse routes and paths that people have taken over time to inhabit different regions of the planet. Understanding these movements and the reasons behind them is fundamental to understanding the formation of current societies and the challenges we face.

Africa, due to its historical and cultural richness, is the stage of important migratory flows that have shaped not only the continent, but the world as a whole. African migrations include complex historical events, such as the human dispersal to other regions of the planet, the African Diaspora during the transatlantic slave trade period, and contemporary migratory flows, both internal and external.

In terms of Geography, the analysis of African migratory flows provides us with a lens to visualize and understand the interactions between humans and their environment, the motivations for population movements, and the geopolitical and socioeconomic consequences they provoke.

Studying this topic is, therefore, crucial to understanding the formation of global societies, contemporary challenges such as refugee issues, and how migration policies are intrinsically linked to human rights and development issues.

Introduction

Geography is a discipline that studies not only the Earth and its characteristics, but also the relationship between people and the environment in which they live. Migration is a subject that is at the heart of this interaction, as it is through migration that populations move and transform spaces.

Students will be introduced to the main African migration routes, the factors that influence these movements, and the consequences of these migrations on the continent and other parts of the world. The project to be developed aims to encourage students to research, discuss, and reflect on this topic, encouraging them to develop research, teamwork, and critical thinking skills.

To delve into the topic and carry out the project, students can consult the following reliable sources:

1. General History of Africa - UNESCO
2. Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics - IBGE, theme: Migrations
3. Migratory Flows in Africa - Text by Professor Eliseu Rafael Venturini

Practical Activity: "Mapping African Migration Flows"

Project Objective

The activity aims for students to research, discuss, and visually create a timeline and a map representing African migratory flows throughout history. They should consider the causes and consequences of these movements, as well as the interaction between humans and the environment.

Detailed Project Description

Students, divided into groups of 3 to 5, will create a digital infographic, in the format of a timeline and map, highlighting the main African migratory flows throughout history. Each group should choose a specific period to research and present, allowing students to gain a comprehensive view of migratory flows when all presentations are brought together.

Required Materials

• Internet access for research;
• Access to an infographic platform, such as Canva or Piktochart;
• Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi, etc.)
• Material for preparing the report (paper, pens, computer).

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Completing the Activity

1. Defining groups and themes: Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 and each group will choose a specific historical period to research and present.

2. Research: The groups will begin by researching their assigned historical period, focusing on the migratory flows that occurred in Africa during that time. They should pay special attention to the causes and consequences of these movements, as well as to the interaction between humans and the environment.

3. Creating an Infographic: Using the information gathered, each group will create a digital infographic that will illustrate the migratory flows of the chosen period. The infographic should include a timeline of key events and a map representing the population movements.

4. Preparing the presentation: Each group will prepare an oral presentation to explain their infographic to the class. The presentation should last approximately 15 minutes and should cover the information contained in the infographic, as well as any additional information that the group believes is relevant.

5. Presentation: Each group will present their infographic and the information they researched. The question-and-answer session after each presentation provides an opportunity to deepen knowledge and discussion on the topic.

6. Report: After the presentation, each group will prepare a written report, containing the four main topics: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography used.

Project Deliverables

The project will consist of two main deliverables:

1. The infographic in the format of a timeline and map representing the African migratory flows of the period chosen by the group, as well as an oral presentation of the same.

2. A written report, divided into:

   • Introduction: The chosen period should be contextualized, explaining why it is relevant to understanding migratory flows in Africa and indicating the purpose of the work.
   • Development: The theory behind migratory flows should be discussed, explaining the process of creating the infographic, indicating the research methodology used, and presenting and discussing the results obtained.
   • Conclusions: The main points discussed should be revisited, highlighting the group's learnings and presenting their conclusions on the topic.
   • Bibliography: The group should indicate all the sources it used for the preparation of the project, including books, websites, videos, among others.

Students' work will be assessed based on the quality of their research, the accuracy and creativity of their infographic, the quality of their presentation, and the depth of their discussion in their written report.