Do Now

IF YOU WERE THERE...YOU LIVE IN A VILLAGE NEAR THE GREAT BEND OF THE NIGER RIVER IN AFRICA IN ABOUT AD 800. THE RIVER IS FULL OF LIFE BIRDS, FISH, CROCODILES. YOU USE ITS WATER TO GROW CROPS AND RAISE CATTLE. TRADERS USE THE RIVER TO BRING WOOD, GOLD, AND OTHER PRODUCTS FROM THE FORESTS. WHY IS THIS A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE?

Do Now

Objective: Chapter 13 Section 1 Big Idea: The continent of Africa is so large that it

includes many varied kinds of terrain, from barren deserts to thick rain forests. Each region has a different climate and provides different resources for the people who live there. In West Africa rivers provide water to grow crops in drier areas. The land is also a rich source of minerals, especially gold and iron. These two resources played a large role in the development of West African cultures.

Early People’s Way of Life Family Life: Extended Family

All in One Household

Loyal to family, form Age Sets Age Sets: People of same Sex and Age

who get together and form a bond

Gender Responsibilities Men:

Hunt, Farm, Raise Livestock

Women Farm, Collect Firewood, Ground Grain,

Cared for Children, Carried Water

Religion Animism

Things in nature have spirits: They preserve or make life continue

Plants, Trees, Animals: All have spirits

Technology

500 B.C. Iron tools created: Food Production Soars

Leads to growth of trade routes

Closure/Questioning Journal Writing: You are living in Africa.

Depending on which climate zone you live in, what challenges would the environment present?

What role does family, religion, and technology play in your way of life?