Lesson

North Africa: Geographic Passport

Students are introduced to the physical geography of North Africa. They create a map that identifies significant physical features of the region. Then they focus on the connection between North Africa’s geographic location and the migration patterns, religious beliefs, and languages in North Africa. Finally, they research the issue of desertification, explaining its causes and possible solutions.

Preview the Lesson Back to Southwest Asia and North Africa

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Overview

In this experience, students are introduced to the physical geography of North Africa. They create a map that identifies significant physical features of the region. Then they focus on the connection between North Africa’s geographic location and the migration patterns, religious beliefs, and languages in North Africa. Finally, they research the issue of desertification, explaining its causes and possible solutions.

Objectives:

Identify the physical features of North Africa.
Identify the connection between North Africa’s geographic location and its migration patterns, religious beliefs, and languages.
Describe the problem of desertification and suggest possible solutions.

Describe what you see in this photo. Where do you think it is located?

Post your answer

Discuss student responses and then tell them that it is located in Morocco, a country in North Africa.

Encourage students to discuss the reasons for their guesses. Although most students may not be able to identify Morocco, you might point out clues to the location, such as the sea, the sunny and warm-looking atmosphere, the style and predominantly light colors of the buildings, and the medieval-looking fortifying wall around the city.

In this experience, you’re going to learn a lot more about North Africa and what makes it unique as a region.

Objectives:

Identify the physical features of North Africa.
Identify the connection between North Africa’s geographic location and its migration patterns, religious beliefs, and languages.
Describe the problem of desertification and suggest possible solutions.

Write a question you have about North Africa. If someone has already posted your question, try to think of a different one.