A+Geographic+Perspective+on+Africa

Wednesday November 16th:
Open this word document:

A geographic perspective is a lens you can use to analyze virtually anything that has a spatial distribution—that is, anything that can be mapped. Geography offers people a unique way to understand the ever-changing relationship between humans and the environment and thus make predictions and even propose solutions to current problems. This lesson will introduce you to a geographic perspective and give you the opportunity to practice using this perspective by analyzing current issues facing Africa.

Objectives:
 * identify the kinds of questions that can be answered using a geographic lens;
 * understand a geographic perspective and be able to apply it; and
 * analyze current issues facing Africa using a geographic perspective.

There are various things that can be //mapped.// In class we have looked at maps of various countries, population densities, climates, vegetation regions, etc. Can you think of anything that CAN'T be mapped?? A geographer's first job is to assess spatial distributions by asking //who, what, where,// and //when.// Once you know the way in which something is distributed over Earth space, you can try to understand //why//it is distributed that way. Thus, the geographer’s next task is to analyze the underlying spatial processes that are responsible for the observable distributions by asking //why// and //how//. Only after the distributions and processes are understood can the geographer use a geographic perspective to ask //what if// and //how can// to make predictions and decisions that may positively impact the future.

In this lesson we will practice applying a geographic perspective by examining current issues facing Africa.

Map of HIV/AIDS worldwide BBC website Avert website National Geographic

Monday November 21st:
Discuss Wednesday's assignment

Organize into small groups and receive assigned topics from the following list:
 * Poverty/employment (example: persistent poverty in South Africa)
 * Warfare/conflict/refugees (example: genocide in Darfur, Sudan)
 * Desertification (example: Sudano-Sahelian region)
 * Deforestation (example: rainforests in Congo Democratic Republic)
 * Wildlife conservation (example: protecting Madagascar’s biodiversity)
 * Access to clean water (example: rural water projects in Ghana)
 * Education and literacy (example: lifelong education in Botswana)
 * Urbanization (example: Nigerian cities)
 * Status of women

Open this worksheet from National Geographic to help guide you in your group work

You will present your findings in a PowerPoint to the class on __**Wednesday November 23rd**__ How you will be graded on group work:
 * Reveals understanding of assigned topic
 * Reveals understanding of the geographic process
 * Visual Aids (with maps and graphs)
 * Overall quality, clarity, and organization

Credits for this lesson: National Geographic []