7th Grade UBD - Unit 2 - Africa Central Africa

Preview People and Their Environment- Rainforests and the Congo River and its tributaries dominate the landscape of Central Africa. Population is scattered throughout the region. Government and Economy- Transition from colonial rule has been difficult. The region’s water, forest, and mineral resources are only partly developed. Society and Culture- Life in forests, on farms, and in cities creates different customs among the region’s many ethnic groups.

Reach Into Your Background Make a list of things you would need to bring if you were planning a journey by foot through the African rainforest. (5 minutes)

Partner Activity Work with a neighbor and compare your answer with theirs. What things are the same and what things are different? (3 minutes)

                         

Key Ideas- Climate and Vegetation The Equator cuts through Central Africa. Heat and abundant rain have created a rainforest that dominates the region. Central Africa is the continent’s most lightly populated region. The region’s water, forest, and mineral resources are not yet developed.

Key Term Equator- An imaginary line circling the earth halfway between the North and South Poles, dividing the earth into two hemispheres.

People and Their Enviroment All the countries of Central Africa lie on or near the Equator. Their location influences their climate and vegetation. It is usually hot and wet year round.

Climate and Vegetation Average annual temperature is near 80˚ Fahrenheit. Most of the region gets more than 80 inches of rainfall per year. Rainforests in Central Africa cover an area four times the size of France.

Climate and Vegetation Few forests have been cut down because they are difficult to reach. Roads and railroads are costly to build and maintain in a region with such heavy rains.

Climate and Vegetation Despite having rich plant and animal life, rainforest soil is poor. Heavy rains wash away nutrients in the soil. When the soil is cleared of trees, underbrush, and vines, leaching removes more nutrients. The soil becomes unsuitable for farming.

Climate and Vegetation As you move away from the Equator to the North or South, rainforests disappear.

Congo River Video- Artery of the Forest

Congo River: Lifeline for a Region Fifth longest river in the world. The river and its tributaries provide miles of navigable water running through the region’s interior. Waterfalls and rapids can make travel difficult. Many countries are developing the Congo River so that dams and power plants can be built and the river can be a source of hydroelectric power.

A Sparsely Populated Region Central Africa has fewer people living in it than other parts of Africa. This is especially true of rain forests. Those who do live in rain forests often live along riverbanks or near rail lines. Poor soils and difficulties of clearing land have kept people out of these areas.

Questions What is the weather like for countries that lie on or near the Equator? Boats on the Congo River provide vital links for river settlers. Besides transportation, how can the river be used?

Answers What is the weather like for countries that lie on or near the Equator? Countries that lie on or near the Equator are usually hot and wet year round. Boats on the Congo River provide vital links for river settlers. Besides transportation, how can the river be used? The river can be used for fishing, bathing, and washing clothes.

Key Ideas- Government and Economy Nations in Central Africa have had a difficult transition from colonial rule. Central Africa has rich water, forest, and mineral resources awaiting development. Many regions in Central Africa are moving towards democracy and multiparty elections. Central Africa has an export economy.

Economy Most people in the region are farmers. Tropical forests provide timber. Copper is the most important mineral in the region. Other resources include oil, natural gas, coal, uranium, tin, zinc, diamonds, and gold.

Central African Countries Central African countries need to develop their natural resources more effectively. Agricultural production has declined in many areas. As a result malnutrition—the condition of not getting enough nutrients from food—has increased.

Key Term Malnutrition- A disease caused by a lack of food or an unbalanced diet.

World Vision Video- Hunger

Central African Countries Forests are being cut down for timber. Mining destroys the landscape. Organizations around the world are working to find ways to help Central Africans improve their use of resources and protect their environment at the same time.

Eyewitness To History Reading Activity- Eyewitness To History 5

Key Term Export Economies- An economy based upon the sale of raw materials abroad.

Key Term World Bank- The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programs.

Key Term International Monetary Fund (IMF)- Is an international financial institution that promotes international trade by increasing the stability of the major currencies.

Questions Why does it benefit a nation to process its own minerals? Organizations around the world are working to find ways to help Central Africans do what two things?

Answers Why does it benefit a nation to process its own minerals? Nations can make more profit selling their own processed minerals. Organizations around the world are working to find ways to help Central Africans do what two things? Organizations want to help Central Africans improve their use of resources and protect their environment.

Key Ideas- Society and Culture Central Africa is home to diverse people speaking many languages and following different customs. The region’s diversity is heightened by different ways of life in forests, on farms, and in cities.

Society and Culture Central Africa has many ethnic groups, each with different languages and customs. A unifying factor is the French language, spoken and read in the former French colonies. Most Central Africans live in villages, but cities are growing.

Technology Allows for Exploration Exploration and development in Central Africa was nearly impossible for European explorers prior to the 1800s . The development of new medicines that could fight diseases like malaria allowed for further exploration.

Key Term Abeng- Is a small house used by travelers and visitors.

Coming Together Through Soccer Soccer is a popular sport throughout Africa. National teams unite people from many backgrounds. Sports are just one way that people can come together.

Where do most people in Central Africa live? Questions Where do most people in Central Africa live? Why is French a unifying factor in Central Africa?

Answers Where do most people in Central Africa live? Most Central Africans live in villages, but cities are growing. Why is French a unifying factor in Central Africa? French is a unifying factor in Central Africa because many Central African countries are former French colonies.

Independent Activity What has been the “muddiest” point so far in this lesson? That is, what topic remains the least clear to you? (4 minutes)

Partner Activity Work with a neighbor and compare your muddiest point with theirs. Compare what things are the same and what things are different? (3 minutes)