Warm up December 1, 2010
1. In parts of Africa, desertification
is causing the desert to spread. As
plants die, the soil blows away
leaving the ground unfit for
agriculture. What is the result of
desertification?
A. tourists come to the region to
enjoy the warm climate
B. as the soil blows away, it is
easier to mine gold
C. a lack of adequate food
production for the people
D. the development of new clean
technologies to provide jobs
2. What economic advantage
does Saudi Arabia and Iran
have over Israel?
A. Both Saudi Arabia and Iran
have much stronger armies.
B. Saudi Arabia and Iran are
both destinations for tourists.
C. Saudi Arabia and Iran are
both oil producing countries.
D. Israel, Saudi Arabia and Iran
are very similar economically.
EQ: How do poor soil and deforestation distress Sub-Saharan
Africa?
SS7G2 The student will discuss environmental issues
across the continent of Africa.
b. Explain the relationship between poor soil and
deforestation in Sub-Saharan Africa.
c. Explain the impact of desertification on the environment
of Africa from the Sahel to the rainforest.
Activator
K.I.M. Vocabulary Strategy
K- Key Concept
Deforestation
Desertification
Irrigation
I- Information (definition in
your own words)
M- Memory Clue (Visual)
CORNELL NOTES
Notes from
Power Point
Main Topic
EQ answer-Closing
The Sahel
• The Sahel is an area of Africa south of the Sahara
Desert.
• It is an example of how poor farming practices and
the destruction of trees and shrubs can lead to an
expanding desert.
• Centuries of farming and grazing along with less
rainfall have gradually damaged land in the Sahel.
• Millions of people struggle to farm in its poor soil
Deforestation
• Deforestation is the destruction of trees and other
vegetation.
• Animals have been allowed to graze too heavily in
an area and strip all vegetation from the soil.
• People who need fuel or who hope to be able to
clear new farmland cut down the trees that help
hold the soil in place.
Droughts
• Droughts are periods of little rainfall that
have hurt the Sahel.
• People who live in these areas often face
starvation and poverty.
Desertification
• The Sahel is one part of Africa that is experiencing
severe problems with desertification, the process of
the desert expanding into areas that had formerly
been farmland.
• The winds coming from the Sahara gradually blow
the dry topsoil away leaving a barren and rocky
land.
• As land is overused, the soil becomes poor and
powdery.
Desertification cont’d
• As the desert expands, people are less able to
grow enough food to feed them.
• People living in areas going through desertification
face hunger and hardship.
• In the Sahel, however, a majority of the
desertification is the result of the actions of people
rather than climate.
• Land is being cleared for farming and trees and
shrubs are being cut down for firewood.
Closing: Exit ticket- students
will answer the essential question
EQ: How do poor soil and
deforestation distress Sub-Saharan
Africa?