Africa/Ancient Research Guide

This Lower School Library resource guide encourages knowledge of Africa, and, specifically, Ancient Africa topics studied in fourth grade.

Reynolds Library materials:

960’s for African countries of the world and for Ancient Civilizations of Africa

VID 960 Anc Ancient Africa (Schlessinger, 23 mins.)

NGS Picturepak Ancient Africa

Online Sources:

http://barney.gonzaga.edu/~sbennet3/mead/lessonplans/EarlyAfrica.htm

Kush and Axom- photos and good information

http://www.mrdowling.com/609ancafr.html

Topics: Nok, Mansa Musa, Timbuktu, Trade, Ghana, Zimbabwe

http://pbskids.org/africa/

Present day crafts lead to knowledge of African culture:

My Culture/Thumb Piano/Masks/Swahili Folk Tale

http://www.welltempered.net/adinkra/htmls/adinkra/denk.htm

Symbols for cloth manufacture in West Africa, etc.

http://www.mnh.si.edu/africanvoices/mudcloth/index_flash.html

Interactive Smithsonian website invites students to

make mudcloth “Bogolanfini” design and print it.

http://www.mnh.si.edu/africanvoices/

Source: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Summary: "African Voices is an exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History that examines the diversity, dynamism, and global influence of Africa's peoples and cultures over time in the realms of family, work, community, and the natural environment." (SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION) This site is a stunning visual experience that encapsules the grand sweep of history into a manageable and enjoyable format.

Has “History” link on right.

http://maasai-association.org/

Source: Maasai Association
Summary: The Maasai people of Kenya are nomadic herders struggling to preserve their pastoral culture in the face of a changing world. Read their side of the story on this Web site.

Africa For Teachers:

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/indiv/africa/cuvl/cult.html

Search engine for Africa for educators

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/africa/

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/africa.html

Actual maps throughout Africa’s history