Cultural Geography of Africa South of the Sahara: Central Africa

o Essential Questions: How has physical geography affected where people have settled in Africa South of the Sahara? o Learning Target: IWBAT explain how Central Africa’s culture is unique. o Formative Assessment(s): What are three aspects of culture in Central Africa?

Cultural Geography of Africa South of the Sahara: Central Africa Bellwork Write down anything you know about culture in Central Africa Reminder, aspects of culture include: Social organization, Customs and traditions, Languages, Arts and literature, Religion, Forms of government, Economic systems, Food and clothing, Music and dance

Classwork – TOGETHER, read about Population Patterns on page 540 – Write and answer the following questions in your notes: 1.In which two countries can you find more than 250 ethnic groups? 2.What is the main ethnic group found in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea? 3.Where do the Mbuti group live and how do they survive? 4.How does the population density in Central Africa compare to the rest of Africa? 5.Why do few people live in north Democratic Republic of Congo? 6.Where do people believe the Bantu migrations of 2,000 years ago originated?

Kinshasa, Republic of Congo Fun Facts – Locals get very upset, for they believe that “capturing a person’s image” removes his spirit. – Despite being a poor and conflict-ridden country, the DRC boasts a space program. The Troposphere rockets are expected to send cargo to outer space in the near future. – Despite being a poor and conflict-ridden country, the DRC boasts a space program. – Because of two devastating civil wars and decades of economic stagnation, ATMs began appearing in the DRC only in 2010.

Classwork – TOGETHER, read about History and Government on pages – Write and answer the following questions in your notes: 1.When did people start settling in Central Africa? 2.What three kingdoms did the Bantu establish? What four states did they establish? 3.Which country became the center of slave trade? 4.How did European peoples influence African culture and village life? 5.What problems did Central African countries have after gaining independence? How have some countries achieved stability?

Mangbetu Fun Facts – Lipombo is the practice of wrapping an infants head in a way so that as their cranium and brain grows it is pushed out to look more elongated. – The Mangebetu are well known for their music, including their unique guitars and harps. – Mangebetu are best known for their sculptures that show their elongated heads.

Classwork – TOGETHER, read about Culture on pages – Write and answer the following questions in your notes: 1.How many languages are spoken in the DRC? What is the main language used? 2.What kind of sculptures are created by the Mangbetu people? 3.What three qualities do most traditional African religions have in common? 4.Why does education suffer in Central Africa? 5.What are three health concerns in Central Africa? 6.How many countries are in Central Africa? Name them.

Formative Assessment – What are three aspects of culture in Central Africa? – Reminder, aspects of culture include: Social organization, Customs and traditions, Languages, Arts and literature, Religion, Forms of government, Economic systems, Food and clothing, Music and dance