1. Topic-
West African Culture
 
2. Content-
Religion, language, geography,lifestyles, economy, dress, music, food.
 
3. Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
1.To situate Nigeria geographically in Africa.
2.To describe West African economy with respect to lifestyles, i.e., the need for carrying water, cooking on a gas or wood stove, trading in agricultural products, as well as currency.
3. To describe aspects of West African indigenous customs with respect to food, music, dress and language.
 
4. Objectives-
1. Create computer-generated maps that include Nigeria, its bordering countries and principle geographic features.
2. Create a dialog in which two or more West African teenagers discuss their plans for the day. The dialog will describe daily tasks that describe and explain farming, water gathering, cooking and related activities. This can be presented either as a skit or can be read in the PowerPoint format presented to the class.
3. Student will memorize their dialog (script) and prepare to perform or present it.
 
5. Materials and Aids-
Computers, Internet access, paper, printer, projector, screen, audio player.
 
6. Procedures/Methods-

A. Introduction-

1. Visual presentation of Nigeria and West Africa using maps and a 14-minute video, "Nigeria," that depicts and explains key aspects of West African economy, culture and lifestyles.
2. Discussion of various components of video listed above using and compare and contrast format between the developed society they are familiar with and the developing society of West Africa.
3. Introduction and explanation of computer-based tools needed to complete the project: PowerPoint, inserting visual and audio clips in the presentation; databases from which students can access further information on West African culture and economy.
 

B. Development-

1. Presentation of "Nigeria" video.
2. Discussion of its relevant cultural and economic components.
3. Demonstration on research techniques required to gather more information on West Africa.
 

C. Practice-

1. Student research in small groups using relevant databases on West African culture and economy.
2. Creating PowerPoint or performance-based project.
3. Fact checking on all aspects of presentation.
 

D. Independent Practice-

1. Students will take a geographic quiz on West Africa, in which they will label countries, major cities and geographic features, as well as indigenous language groups.
2. Students will complete a multiple choice assignment in which they must identify key components of West African economy and culture.
3. Students will quick each other on aspects of West African culture and economy by discussing theses components with each group in the class.
 

E. Accommodations (Differentiated Instruction)-

1. Individualized computer accommodations.
2. Teacher aides available for blind students
3. ESL teachers available for non-native English speakers.
 

F. Checking for understanding-

1. Students will write a short paper in which they compare and contrast key elements of West African and American culture, lifestyle and the economy.
2. Students will explain three goals for improving living conditions in West African society without harming the integrity of the culture.
3. Students will explain the overall value of learning about cultures different from our own and how they will share this knowledge and using it in their lives.
 

G. Closure-

1. Post evaluation given in multiple choice format.
2. Short writing assignment in which students are asked to identify at least one other region of the developing world where the economic and cultural practices of West Africa show similarities.
 
7. Evaluation-
1. Students will list items of content and skills they learned on this assignment.
2. Students will list content and skills they would like to learn and develop in future social studies assignments.
 
8. Teacher Reflection-
After reviewing all aspects of students work on this project, teacher will share it with social studies colleagues in a professional development setting to gain feedback, criticism and suggestions.
 

This Lesson Plan is available at (www.teacherjet.com)