Unveiling Early European Exploration: A Journey into Africa History JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 7

Lesson Plan: Early European Contact with Africa

Subject: History
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 7
Age: 13–14 years
Topic: Early European Contact with Africa
Sub-topic: General Nature and Purpose of Early European Exploration
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Describe the general nature of early European contact with Africa.
2. Explain the reasons behind European exploration of Africa.
3. Identify key countries involved in the exploration and their motivations.
4. Analyze the impact of early European contact on African societies.

Keywords

• Exploration
• Trade
• Colonization
• Portugal
• Germany
• Africa

Set Induction

The teacher will ask: “What do you think motivated European countries to explore distant lands like Africa?” This will help students brainstorm and connect prior knowledge about exploration.

Entry Behavior

Students have learned about various global explorations and their impact, providing a foundation for understanding early European contact with Africa.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Maps showing European exploration routes
• Visual aids depicting key explorers and their voyages
• Textbooks covering early European history and African contact

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have studied global exploration and trade, which sets the context for understanding European interests in Africa.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Collaboration

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• “A History of Africa” by J. F. Ade Ajayi
• JSS 3 History Textbook

Instructional Materials

• Maps of Africa and routes taken by European explorers
• Profiles of significant explorers such as Prince Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama

Content

A. General Nature of Early European Contact with Africa

1. Initial Contact
   • Early European contact began in the 15th century as countries sought new trade routes.
   • Initial interactions were primarily with coastal regions for trade purposes.
2. Trade Interests
   • Europeans were motivated by the desire for gold, ivory, spices, and slaves.
   • Coastal trade led to the establishment of trading posts and forts along the African coast.
3. Colonization Efforts
   • As contact increased, European powers aimed to establish colonies and control trade routes.
   • The Portuguese and later the Dutch and British played significant roles in colonization.
4. Cultural Exchange
   • Early contact facilitated cultural exchanges, including the introduction of Christianity and European customs to African societies.
   • However, these exchanges were often imbalanced, favoring European interests.

B. Reasons Behind European Exploration of Africa

1. Economic Motivations
   • European nations were eager to find new trade routes to access resources and markets.
   • The search for gold and other valuable commodities drove expeditions.
2. Political Ambitions
   • Competition among European nations for territorial expansion fueled exploration.
   • Countries sought to increase their influence and power through colonization.
3. Religious Factors
   • The spread of Christianity was a significant motivation, particularly for the Portuguese.
   • Missionary efforts aimed to convert Africans to Christianity.
4. Technological Advancements
   • Improvements in navigation and shipbuilding made long sea voyages more feasible.
   • The invention of the compass and developments in cartography played crucial roles in exploration.
5. Curiosity and Adventure
   • A spirit of adventure and curiosity about unknown lands motivated many explorers.
   • The Renaissance period encouraged exploration and the quest for knowledge.

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options

1. Early European contact with Africa began in the __________ century.
   a) 14th
   b) 15th
   c) 16th
   d) 17th
2. The primary motive for European exploration was the search for __________.
   a) Knowledge
   b) Land
   c) Trade routes
   d) Warfare
3. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to explore the __________ coast of Africa.
   a) East
   b) West
   c) North
   d) South
4. Economic motivations included the desire for __________, ivory, and spices.
   a) Gold
   b) Education
   c) Technology
   d) Art
5. The spread of __________ was a significant goal for some European explorers.
   a) Science
   b) Trade
   c) Christianity
   d) Agriculture
6. Political ambitions led European nations to seek __________.
   a) Peace
   b) Colonies
   c) Alliances
   d) Neutrality
7. The __________ was an important figure in promoting exploration in Portugal.
   a) King
   b) Queen
   c) Prince
   d) Explorer
8. Advances in __________ made it easier for Europeans to navigate the seas.
   a) Medicine
   b) Agriculture
   c) Technology
   d) Architecture
9. The rivalry among European nations was a significant factor in __________.
   a) Trade
   b) War
   c) Exploration
   d) Agriculture
10. Early contact often led to the establishment of __________ along the African coast.
    a) Cities
    b) Farms
    c) Trading posts
    d) Schools

15 FAQs with Answers

1. What century did early European contact with Africa begin?
   The 15th century.
2. What was the main economic motive for European exploration?
   The search for trade routes and valuable resources.
3. Which European nation was the first to explore the African coast?
   Portugal.
4. What were the primary commodities sought by Europeans in Africa?
   Gold, ivory, and spices.
5. What religious motivation influenced European explorers?
   The spread of Christianity.
6. How did political ambitions affect European exploration?
   Countries sought to expand their territories and influence.
7. Who was a significant figure in promoting exploration for Portugal?
   Prince Henry the Navigator.
8. What technological advancements helped in navigation?
   The compass and improvements in cartography.
9. How did rivalry among European nations contribute to exploration?
   It created competition for resources and territories.
10. What was one outcome of early European contact with Africa?
    The establishment of trading posts along the coast.

Presentation

1. Step 1: Review the previous lesson on exploration and its impacts.
2. Step 2: Discuss the general nature and purposes of early European contact with Africa, using maps and visuals.
3. Step 3: Encourage students to ask questions and share their thoughts about the motivations for exploration.

Teacher’s Activities

• Use visual aids and maps to illustrate European exploration routes and key explorers.
• Facilitate a class discussion on the effects of early contact on African societies.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in group discussions and share ideas on the motivations for exploration.
• Work in pairs to create a short presentation on a specific explorer or exploration route.

Assessment

• Identify and explain two reasons for early European exploration of Africa.
• Discuss the impact of one European country’s exploration on African societies.

10 Evaluation Questions

1. What motivated Europeans to explore Africa in the 15th century?
2. Name one key figure in early European exploration.
3. What role did trade play in early European contact with Africa?
4. How did political competition affect exploration?
5. What religious goal influenced some explorers?
6. Describe one technological advancement that facilitated exploration.
7. What were the primary commodities sought by Europeans in Africa?
8. How did early contact impact African societies?
9. What was the significance of trading posts established by Europeans?
10. Why is it important to study early European contact with Africa?

Conclusion

The teacher will summarize the key points of early European contact with Africa, emphasizing the motivations behind exploration and its impact on African societies.