Exploring the Lander Brothers: Brave Explorers of West Africa History JSS 2 Third Term Lesson

The Lander Brothers”

The Lander Brothers refers to Richard Lander, born in 1804, and his brother John Lander, born in 1807. They were among the European explorers who visited West Africa to explore the hinterlands. Tragically, John Lander was attacked and killed by local tribesmen along the River Niger on the 6th of February 1834. His brother, John, died in 1839 as a result of a disease he contracted in Africa.

Richard Lander was awarded the first gold medal by the Royal Geographical Society in 1832 for his leadership of a successful expedition. In memory of the Lander Brothers, a museum was built in Asaba.

Class Activity Discussion questions about the Lander Brothers, Richard and John Lander, along with their answers:

1. Q: Who were the Lander Brothers? A: The Lander Brothers refer to Richard Lander, born in 1804, and his brother John Lander, born in 1807, who were European explorers.
2. Q: What did the Lander Brothers explore? A: They explored the hinterlands of West Africa during the 19th century.
3. Q: What happened to John Lander? A: John Lander was tragically attacked and killed by local tribesmen along the River Niger on February 6, 1834.
4. Q: How did John Lander die? A: John Lander died as a result of an attack by local tribesmen along the River Niger.
5. Q: When did Richard Lander receive an award? A: Richard Lander was awarded the first gold medal by the Royal Geographical Society in 1832.
6. Q: Why was Richard Lander awarded the gold medal? A: He was awarded for his leadership of a successful expedition.
7. Q: What did the Lander Brothers contribute to geographical exploration? A: They contributed valuable knowledge about the West African hinterlands through their explorations.
8. Q: What is the significance of the River Niger in their story? A: The River Niger was where John Lander was tragically killed during an attack.
9. Q: How did John Lander’s death affect Richard Lander? A: It was a devastating loss for Richard Lander, who continued his explorations alone after his brother’s death.
10. Q: What is the Royal Geographical Society? A: The Royal Geographical Society is an organization that promotes the advancement of geographical science.
11. Q: What led to John Lander’s death? A: He was attacked and killed by local tribesmen along the River Niger during their exploration.
12. Q: Where is Asaba, and why is it mentioned in relation to the Lander Brothers? A: Asaba is a location in Nigeria where a museum was built in memory of the Lander Brothers.
13. Q: What diseases did John Lander contract in Africa? A: The specific disease John Lander contracted in Africa is not mentioned in historical records.
14. Q: What challenges did the Lander Brothers face during their explorations? A: They faced challenges such as hostile encounters with local tribesmen and the harsh environment of West Africa.
15. Q: What is the legacy of the Lander Brothers? A: They are remembered for their contributions to geographical exploration in West Africa and their

Evaluation about the Lander Brothers:

1. Richard and John Lander were __________. a) sailors b) explorers c) farmers d) teachers
2. John Lander died during an attack along the __________. a) Nile River b) Amazon River c) River Niger d) Mississippi River
3. Richard Lander received a gold medal from the __________ in 1832. a) Royal Geographical Society b) Royal Society of London c) British Exploration Association d) European Explorers Union
4. The Lander Brothers explored the __________ of West Africa. a) forests b) mountains c) deserts d) hinterlands
5. John Lander’s death occurred on __________, 1834. a) February 6 b) June 10 c) August 20 d) December 25
6. Richard Lander was recognized for his __________ of a successful expedition. a) cooking skills b) leadership c) singing abilities d) map-making
7. The River Niger played a significant role in the Lander Brothers’ __________. a) expedition b) farming c) exploration d) fishing
8. A museum was built in memory of the Lander Brothers in __________. a) Lagos b) Accra c) Asaba d) Cairo
9. John Lander’s death was caused by an attack by __________. a) animals b) local tribesmen c) pirates d) European settlers
10. Richard Lander received a gold medal for his contributions to __________. a) science b) art c) geography d) history
11. The Royal Geographical Society is an organization that promotes __________. a) mathematics b) geographical exploration c) literature d) music
12. Asaba is a location in __________ where the museum was built. a) Ghana b) Nigeria c) South Africa d) Kenya
13. John Lander died due to a disease he contracted in __________. a) Europe b) Asia c) Africa d) America
14. The Lander Brothers faced challenges such as hostile encounters with __________. a) friendly locals b) wild animals c) hostile tribesmen d) fellow explorers
15. The Lander Brothers are remembered for their bravery in the face of __________. a) danger b) peace c) success d) failure