EARLY AFRICAN KINGDOMS PROJECT
You are a member of the charismatic griots who are responsible for sharing their society’s
history with present and future generations! You and two fellow storytellers must share
your society’s story before it gets lost in the sands of time. Below is the information you
must convey so that your culture remains alive for generations to come!
OBJECTIVES (in no particular order)
1. Climate: describe which of the four climate zones of Africa your culture existed in and
address how this climate zone(s) affected your assigned region
2. Geography: why/how did cultures develop in specific locations of Africa (provide map)
3. Climate/Geography vs. Culture: what factors dictated migration (if any)
4. Cultural Evolution: how did migrations or trade spread ideas, skills, languages, etc.
5. Technology/Innovation: what innovations did your culture utilize
6. Trade: what natural resources or developed goods/services came from your culture
7. Governance: what was the political and/or social structure (Clans? Tribes? Stable
governance? Kingdom/empire? Impact on human rights?)
8. Time, Continuity and Change: did your culture change their way of living, or did they
remain stagnant? Why?
9. Anthropology/Archeology: how do we know what we know about your culture
10. Visuals: integrate visuals to support your presentation (see below)
EXPECTATIONS
Each group is required to:
1) Present the objectives utilizing PowerPoint
2) Create a “References Used” page using Word with at least two sources:
a. one APPROVED Internet source
b. one library book or textbook source
WHAT NEEDS TO BE HANDED IN
 PowerPoint on a flashdrive
 References page
Cohen/McCort SOMS 2010
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Oral Report: Five Minutes
You are to present this information in a historical narrative. This means it is a
personal perspective on your culture, and expect that the “storytelling” is sincere. In
other words, don’t report – share your story with us.
Students should script out their parts, perhaps have note cards or papers in hand.
PowerPoint slides should only enhance the story, not tell it
PowerPoint slides or visuals are not to be the entire presentation
We advise the use of artifacts to augment the experience
Show some style, some personality, some charisma and charm
Each group member is required to be an active participant during the presentation
o Points can be awarded or deduced on an individual basis
o This can occur during the research period or the presentation
Cohen/McCort SOMS 2010