SOCIAL STUDIES LESSON NOTES- Grade 7 CBC

Notes
February 3, 2024 by Senior Teacher
CAREER AND ENTREPRENEURIAL
OPPORTUNITIES IN SOCIAL STUDIES
 Social studies is a learning area that includes History,
Geography and Citizenship
 The study of social studies provides us with career and
entrepreneurial opportunities in different fields.
 Careers are occupations undertaken for a significant period of a
person’s life and with opportunities for progress in life
 Entrepreneurship is the activity of setting up a business or taking
on financial risks with hope of making a profit
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Importance of social studies for personal development and
service to humanity

1. Social studies prepares learners to join various career pathways

2. Learners are able to utilise available resources to come up with
entrepreneurial projects which help them meet their needs.
3. By learning political development and governance learners are
exposed to different styles of leadership
4. By understanding systems of government, learners are able to
make informed decisions once they take up leadership roles in
future for the benefit of the community
5. The historical understanding of some prominent people in the
past is key in shaping learners future
6. Social studies encourages learners to appreciate different
cultures, values and traditions from national and global
perspective which can be adopted in our locality
7. learners are able to integrate key aspects of the constitution such
as integrity when making decision about governance
8. Learning of key aspects on democracy, rule of law, responsible
citizenry helps learners living harmoniously in the society.
9. Skills and knowledge in personality, human identity and personal
well being in promoting inner peace are all meant to enhance
understanding of personal growth and development
10. Research skills in field work equip learners with data
collection, analysis and presentation skills that will help in solving
problems affecting our society
Importance of social
studies

Personal development Service to humanity

Helps one to understand the real world Helps us to utilize the available resourc
1
around us serve humanity

Helps us to appreciate and relate well w

2 Helps us to become good citizens
people

3 Helps us to know the current affairs

Career opportunities related to social studies

1. Law -Advocate -Lawyer
2. Geology –
3. Museology –
4. Cartography
5. Urban planning
6. Meteorology and climatology
7. Aviation
8. Archaeology
9. Medicine
10. Teaching
11. Survey
12. Engineering
Geography History Citizenship

Land economics Archaeology Public administrator

Entrepreneurial opportunities for social studies

Some of the entrepreneurial opportunities for social studies in our

socisty include

1. Pottery
2. Basketry
3. Ecotourism
4. Horticulture
5. Agro forestry
6. Fishing
7. Dairy farming
Gender stereotypes associated with career choices and
entrepreneurial opportunities in social studies

Gender is the state of being male or female in relation to social and

cultural roles.

Stereotypes are fixed general ideas or images that assume that a

person behaves in a particular way.

Stereotypes limit aspirations and development of talents.

They create gender differences.

These gender differences ought to be addressed using appropriate

strategies.

A strategy is a careful plan or method of dealing with an issue

We can address gender stereotypes in career and entrepreneurial

opportunities related to social studies through the following strategies

1. Committing and encouraging both males and females to take a

full range of careers and business opportunities
2. Ensuring representation of both genders in leadership
3. Treating both males and females equally by using texts and
circular that does not promote gender bias
4. Develop policies, law and decision making process that represent
both males and females
Recognising biological difference devoid of stereotypes in
career choices and entrepreneurial opportunities in social
studies

 There are biological differences between male and female

people.
 Biological difference should never be a hindrance to one’s career
choice and entrepreneurial opportunities
 Both male and female should be given equal opportunities to
pursue their dreams
Demonstrating respect for one’s gender identity in pursuit of
social studies careers and entrepreneurial opportunities

NATURAL AND HISTORIC BUILT ENVIRONMENT IN AFRICA

MAPS AND MAPWORK

A map is a representation of the earth or part of it on a flat surface.

Position of Africa

 Africa lies between latitude 37ºN and 35ºS and on longitude

18ºW and 52ºE.
 Separated by water from all other continent except at the point
where it joins Asia.
 Mostly Easterly point is called ras hafun(cape guardafui)
 Mostly westerly is cape verde
 Mostly northerly is cape bon
 Mostly southerly is cape agulhas
 Africa is connected to sinai peninsula by suez canal
 Separated from Spain by strait of gibraltar
 Separated from Arabia by strait of bab el-mandeb
Shape of Africa

The northern half is very wide while the southern is much narrower

At the cape guardafui extends outwards in the shape of a horn

therefore the horn of Africa

Size of Africa

Africa is the second largest continent in the world

Has an area of about 30.3 million square kilometres (20% of the total
land surface)
It measures 8000 km from north to south and 7400km from east to
west

Other continents

1. Asia – 43608000km2
2. Africa – 30335000km2
3. North America – 25349000km2
4. South America – 17611000km2
5. Antarctica – 13340000km2
6. Europe – 10498000km2
7. Australia – 8923000km2
Countries that makes up the Africa continent

Africa has the largest number of countries in the world making o total
of 55 countries

1. Algeria 2381741km2
2. Angola 1246700km2
3. Benin 115773km2
4. Botswana 600372km2
5. Burkina faso 274200km2
6. Burundi 28490km2
7. Cameroon 475900km2
8. Cape verde 7275km2
9. Central africa republic 622984km2
10. Chad 1284000km2
11. Comoros 2117km2
12. Congo 34965km2
13. Cόte d’ ivoire 322463km2
14. Djibouti 23310km2
15. DR congo 2345409km2
16. Egypt 1101449km2
17. Equatorial guinea 28051km2
18. Eritrea 124320km2
19. Ethiopia 1221900km2
20. Gabon 267667km2
21. Gambia 11369km2
22. Ghana 238537km2
23. Guinea 245957km2
24. Guinea bisau 36125km2
25. Kenya 582648km2
26. Lesotho 30460km2
27. Liberia 111369km2
28. Libya 1775000km2
29. Madagascar 592900km2
30. Malawi 118484km2
31. Mali 1240192km2
32. Mauritania 1030700km2
33. Mauritius 2040km2
34. Morocco 724730km2
35. Mozambique 802000km2
36. Niger 1267000km2
37. Namibia 824295km2
38. Nigeria 923773km2
39. Rwanda 26338km2
40. Sӑo Tome & principe 964km2
41. Senegal 196192km2
42. Seychelles 453km2
43. Sierra leone 72325km2
44. Somalia 626541km2
45. South africa 1221037km2
46. South sudan 644329km2
47. Sudan 1886068km2
48. Eswatini 17368km2
49. Tanzania 947419km2
50. Togo 56785km2
51. Tunisia 164154km2
52. Uganda 236036km2
53. Western sahara 252120km2
54. Zambia 752618km2
55. Zimbabwe 390759km2
The largest country in Africa is Algeria while the smallest is Seychelles.

Offshore island also form part of Africa;

1. Seychelles
2. Sao Tome and principe
3. Mauritius
4. Comoros
5. Madagascar
6. Cape verde
Locating places and features on a map using latitudes and
longitudes
 When giving the position of a place or features we with start with
the latitude and then longitude
Major latitudes and longitudes

 Major longitude is called prime meridian also called Greenwich

meridian
 In Africa it passes through:
 Ghana(Accra)
 Algeria
 Burkina faso
 Mali
 All other longitudes are measured and named from prime
meridian up to 180 ̊ on both sides
 Major latitude are 3 passing through Africa
 Equator 0 ̊ – divides Africa into two parts
It passes through;

1. Gabon
2. Congo
3. DR congo
4. Uganda
5. Kenya
6. Somalia
 Tropic of cancer 231/2 ̊ north of equator
It passes through;

1. Western sahara
2. Mali
3. Mauritania
4. Algeria
5. Libya
6. Egypt
 Tropic of capricorn 231/2 ̊ south of equator
It passes through:

1. Namibia
2. Botswana
3. South africa
4. Mozambique
5. Madagascar
6. Other important lines of latitude are far from africa are:
7. Arctic circle 661/2 ̊N
8. Antarctic circle 661/2 ̊S
Place Degrees north Degrees south Degree east Degrees

Kenya 5ºN 4½º S Between 34º W AND 42º E

Algeria

Abidjan

Eswatini

Cairo

Capetown

Freetown

Physical feature Degrees north Degrees south Degree east Degrees w

Lake turkana

Namib desert

Mt. Kilimanjaro

River Zambezi

Jos plateau
Calculating the time of different places in the world using
longitudes

 Rotation of the earth- This is movement of earth on its own axis

 Distance between longitudes is measured in degrees
 There are 360 meridians or longitudes
 One complete rotation is 360 ̊
 The direction of the rotation is from west to east i.e. anticlockwise
direction.
 One complete rotation takes 24 hours
 All places found in the east of the Greenwich meridian will see
sunrise first and therefore they are one hour ahead of those to
the west
Effects of rotation of the earth

1. Differences in time along different longitudes

2. Occurrence of day and night
24hrs = 360 ̊

1hr = ?

360×1 ÷24 =15

Therefore 1hr =15 ̊ or 360 ̊= (24×60)minutes=1440min

̊= 1440÷360 ×1=4min

I Hr the earth covers 15º and 1º it covers 4 minutes

Calculating time of places found to the east of Greenwich

Meridian

Example 1

The time in Accra 0 ̊ is [Link] time in bermbera 45 ̊E

1hr =15 ̊

? = 45 ̊ = 45÷15×1 =3hrs
So 3hrs is equivalent to 45 ̊ then add 3hrs to 7.00am to get 10.00am

Example 2

Suppose the time at GWM is 12 noon what is the local time at Watamu
40◦E?

Time gained=40×4=160min=2 hours 40min

Local time at Watamu is 12.00+2.40=14.40-1200=2.40pm.

Example 3

At Dar-es-Salaam 40◦E time is 12pm what is the time at Ecuador 40◦E?

40◦+20◦=60◦

60×4=240min=4hours

Ecuador is behind in time =12.00-4=8 am.

NB

 When calculating time to the east of Greenwich meridian, we add

the time difference to the local time.
Calculating time of places found to the west of Greenwich
Meridian

 When calculating time to the west of Greenwich meridian we

subtract the time difference to the local time
Example 1

A plane leaves off in New York, 74ºW at 7 am local time. What is the
local time in Stockholm 18ºE

NB
 If the places are on the same side subtract the degrees to get the
difference and add or subtract from the reference time depending
on which side the place is.
Pictures, plan and maps

Picture Plan Maps

Outline of something drawn to Representation of the whole or p

Image of a real object
scale earth’s surface drawn to scale

Gives details in their visible shapes Also drawn as if a person was

Shows outline of objects on the gro
and sizes directly above the ground

Can be inform of free hand, Drawn as if the drawer was above

It represents a very small place
drawing, painting or a photograph ground

The scale is large to show details

Not drawn to scale It shows details
e.g. house plan

Most of the features are indicated b

Gives specific information
symbols.

Types of maps

1. Topographical maps
This shows selected natural physical features on a small portion of a
country.

 Atlas map this is a collection of maps in one volume

 Sketch map maps which are roughly drawn.
A good sketch map should have the following characteristics:

1. Neat and clear

2. Title
3. Frame
4. Key
5. Compass direction
Importance of maps in day to day lives

1. Sketch maps are used to summarise information for easy

reference.
2. Used for locating other countries.
3. Used for comparing sizes of countries.
4. For locating climatic regions of different parts of the world.
5. Give information on distribution of geographical phenomena e.g.
vegetation on the earth’s surface.
6. Help travellers to find their way.
7. Used to calculate distance of a certain place.
8. Used to locate physical features like landforms.
THE EARTH AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM

Solar system is the group of heavenly bodies comprising the sun and
the planets.

The origin of the solar system

1. The passing star theory

A star with a greater gravitational pull passed near the sun

It attracted large quantities of gaseous materials from the sun

The materials split, cooled and condensed to form planets

The planets were set in orbit by the passing star

 The nebula cloud theory

There was a slowly rotating cloud of dust and gas called Nebula

It cooled and began to contact

Rotation speed increased and successive rings of gaseous materials

were formed.

The rings condensed to form planets

The central gaseous material remained as the sun

Size of the earth

Equatorial diameter-12756km

Equatorial circumference-40085km

Polar diameter-39995km

Surface area of the earth-510×106 km2

Water surface – 73%.

MERCURY

Nearest from the sun

Its 58m km from the sun

Has no satellites

Takes approximately 88 earth days to revolve around the sun

Venus

2nd planet from the sun

It’s 108m km from the sun

One of the brightest planets

Can be seen clearly with naked eyes

Takes approximately 225 earth days to revolve around the sun

Slightly smaller than the earth

Has no satellites
Together with the earth they are called twin planets due to having
many similarities

Mars

Also called The Red Planet because when it’s observed through a
telescope it appears reddish.

The 4th from the sun

Slightly smaller than the earth

Approximately 228m km from the sun

Takes 687 earth days to revolve around the sun

Between Mass and Jupiter there are small celestial bodies called
planetoids.

Has no satellite.

Jupiter

5th planet from the sun

Approximately 778m km from the sun

Largest in the universe

Rotates on its own axis at very fast speed

Has flattened poles due to its fast speed of rotation

Has very thick layers of ice on its surface

takes 12 earth years to revolve around the sun

Has 16 satellites
Saturn

6th planet from the sun

Second largest planet

Approximately 1427m km from the sun

Takes 29 ½ earth years to revolve around the sun

Has a ring around it

Has 18 satellites

Uranus

7th planet from the sun

About 4 times bigger than the earth

Approximately 2870m km from the sun

Also rotates very fast

Also has flattened poles due to fast speed of rotation

It appears greenish foe being surrounded by methane gas

Has 8 satellites

Takes 84 earth years to revolve around the sun

Neptune

One of the farthest from the sun

8th planet from the sun

Approximately 4497m km from the sun

Has 8 satellites

Takes 165 earth years to revolve around the sun

Very similar in size, colour and character with Uranus

The shape of the earth

The shape of the earth is called geoid/ovoid/oblate spheroid due to

being an imperfect sphere by being wide at the equator and flat at the
poles.

The position of the earth in the solar system

The 3rd planet from the sun

The earth and the heavenly bodies make the universe

The only planet that supports life

The home of man

Approximately 149m km from the sun

Takes 365 ¼ days to revolve around the sun

Has one satellite, the moon

Rotation of the earth

Movement of the earth on its own axis (imaginary line through the
centre from N pole to S pole

Rotates through 360º

Takes 24 hours (day) to complete 1 rotation

Rotates in an anticlockwise direction (west to east)

Effects of Rotation of the Earth

1. Creates day and night because at any one time one side of the
earth faces the sun (day) and the other remains in darkness
(night).
2. Causes deflection of winds and ocean currents in the N
hemisphere to the left and in the S hemisphere to the right.
3. It causes rising and falling of ocean tides.
4. Causes time difference between longitudes
Effects of Rotation of the Earth on human activities

Effects of Rotation How rotation affects human activities

Day and night Planning day and night activities

High and low tides Helps in fishing activities Sea transport –

Triggering of cyclones, hurricanes and tornadoes for example the deflection cause pres
Deflection of winds
changes which affect ocean currents and movement of wind Growing of crops Aviatio
and ocean currents
transport Causes flooding

Time difference Travelling Education Sports

Revolution of the earth

 Movement of the earth in its orbit around the sun.

 It’s in anticlockwise direction.
 The orbit of the earth’s revolution is elliptical.
 Takes 365 ¼ days in a year or 366 days in a leap year (every 4
years).
 The sun moves from the tropic of cancer to the equator and then
towards tropic of Capricorn and back to the tropic of cancer.
 21st march and 23rd September are called equinoxes becausethe
length of day and night is equal. The sun is vertically overhead at
noon at the equator.
 21st June is called summer solstice because its summer in the N
hemisphere. The sun is vertically overhead at noon at the tropic
of cancer.
 22nd December is called winter solstice because its winter in the
S. hemisphere. The sun is vertically overhead at noon at noon at
the tropic of Capricorn.
 Solstice is the period of maximum tilting of the earth towards the
sun.
Effects of the Revolution of the earth

1. Causes the four seasons summer, autumn, winter and spring due
to the movement of overhead sun causing changes in the heat
belt.
2. Causes variation of day and night’s lengths due to the earth’s
axis being inclined to the path of revolution at an angle of 60◦.
3. Equinoxes have equal lengths of day and night.
4. Summers have longer days and shorter nights.
5. Winters have longer nights and shorter days.
 Causes changes in the altitude of the midday sun due to the
earth’s orbit being elliptical.
 Highest altitude during equinox
 Lowest altitude during solstices
 Causes lunar eclipse due to revolution bringing the earth in line
with the sun and the moon.
Effects of the Revolution of the earth on human activities

Effects of Revolution How revolution affects human act

Changes in the position of midday sun at different times of the year

Varying length of day and night at different times of the day

Seasons

The internal structure of the earth

A. Crust/Lithosphere

 Outermost layer of the earth

 Made of soils and other loose deposits of sand
 The dominant rocks are granites.
 Extends 0-50km
 Has 2 layers
1. Sial

 Also called continental crust

 Made of light coloured rocks
 Called sial because it’s made up of silica and aluminium.
2. Sima

 Also called oceanic crust

 Mainly made of basaltic rocks which are brittle.
 Called sima because it is made of silica magnesium and iron.
B. Mohorovicic Discontinuity (Moho)
 A definite zone of discontinuity between the crust and the
mantle.
 Was discovered by Dr. Andrija Mohorovicic in 1909.
 The Mantle/Asthenosphere
 Layer lying between the crust and the core
 Made of iron and magnesium
 Has two layers
 Upper mantle
 Rocks are more elastic than those of sima.
 Temperature is about 1000◦c.
 lower mantle
 Rocks are like very viscous liquid.
 Temperature ranges between 1000◦c to 3000◦c.
 Gutenberg Discontinuity
A definite zone of discontinuity between mantle and core.

 Core/barysphere/Centrosphere
 The innermost/central layer of the earth.
 Has 2 layers
 Outer Core
 Composed of very dense rocks
 Made up of nickel and iron
 Temperatures are up to 3700◦c.
 Inner Core
 A solid mass of mainly iron
 Temperatures are estimated to be 4500◦c to 5000◦c.
F. The Atmosphere

Layer of gases surrounding the earth.

The earth revolves with it because its held onto it by gravity

It’s about 330km thick.

Composition of the Atmosphere

 Gases-exist as a mixture
 Smoke particles
 Dust particles
 Water vapour
G. hydrosphere
Ocean and seas

WEATHER

Weather is the daily atmospheric conditions of a place at a particular

time.

ELEMENTS OF WEATHER

1. Temperature
Measure or degree of hotness or coldness of a place

 Humidity
The amount of water vapour or moisture in the atmosphere

 Precipitation
All forms of moisture which fall from the atmosphere to the earth’s
surface

Rainfall is a form of precipitation formed from clouds that in form of

water droplets

 Atmospheric pressure
 Wind
Moving air on the surface of the earth

 Sunshine
Direct rays of sunlight on the surface of the earth

 Cloud cover
Mass of tiny droplets of water or ice formed through condensation

Analysis and interpretation of weather conditions

Diurnal/daily Temperature range

-Difference between the maximum and minimum temperature for any

one day.

Mean Daily Temperature

-Average of the maximum and the minimum daily temperatures.

Mean Monthly temperature

-Sum of mean daily temperatures in a month divided by the number of

days in that month.

Mean Monthly minimum Temperature

-Sum of daily minimum temperatures divided by the number of days in

that month.

Mean Monthly Maximum Temperature

-Sum of daily maximum temperatures divided by the number of days in

that month.

Mean Annual Temperature

-Sum of mean monthly temperatures divided by 12.

Mean Annual Temperature Range

-Difference between the highest and the lowest mean monthly

temperatures in a year.

Monthly Rainfall Total

-Sum of rainfall recorded in a month.

Annual Rainfall Total

-Sum of monthly rainfall totals for 12 months.

Mean Monthly Rainfall

-Sum of rainfall totals for a particular month over several years divided
by the number of the years of observation.
Mean Annual Rainfall

-Sum of mean monthly rainfall for 12 months of the year.

Factors to consider when siting a weather station

Weather Station

–A place where observation, measuring and recording of weather

elements is done

CAREER AND ENTREPRENEURIAL OPPORTUNITIES IN SOCIAL

STUDIES

 Social studies is a learning area that includes History,

Geography and Citizenship
 The study of social studies provides us with career and
entrepreneurial opportunities in different fields.
 Careers are occupations undertaken for a significant period of a
person’s life and with opportunities for progress in life
 Entrepreneurship is the activity of setting up a business or taking
on financial risks with hope of making a profit
Importance of social studies for personal development and
service to humanity

1. Social studies prepares learners to join various career pathways

2. Learners are able to utilise available resources to come up with
entrepreneurial projects which help them meet their needs.
3. By learning political development and governance learners are
exposed to different styles of leadership
4. By understanding systems of government, learners are able to
make informed decisions once they take up leadership roles in
future for the benefit of the community
5. The historical understanding of some prominent people in the
past is key in shaping learners future
6. Social studies encourages learners to appreciate different
cultures, values and traditions from national and global
perspective which can be adopted in our locality
7. learners are able to integrate key aspects of the constitution such
as integrity when making decision about governance
8. Learning of key aspects on democracy, rule of law, responsible
citizenry helps learners living harmoniously in the society.
9. Skills and knowledge in personality, human identity and personal
well being in promoting inner peace are all meant to enhance
understanding of personal growth and development
10. Research skills in field work equip learners with data
collection, analysis and presentation skills that will help in solving
problems affecting our society
Importance of social
studies

Personal development Service to humanity

Helps one to understand the real world Helps us to utilize the available resourc
1
around us serve humanity

Helps us to appreciate and relate well w

2 Helps us to become good citizens
people

3 Helps us to know the current affairs

Career opportunities related to social studies

1. Law -Advocate -Lawyer

2. Geology –
3. Museology –
4. Cartography
5. Urban planning
6. Meteorology and climatology
7. Aviation
8. Archaeology
9. Medicine
10. Teaching
11. Survey
12. Engineering
Geography History Citizenship

Land economics Archaeology Public administrator

Entrepreneurial opportunities for social studies

Some of the entrepreneurial opportunities for social studies in our

socisty include

1. Pottery
2. Basketry
3. Ecotourism
4. Horticulture
5. Agro forestry
6. Fishing
7. Dairy farming
Gender stereotypes associated with career choices and
entrepreneurial opportunities in social studies

Gender is the state of being male or female in relation to social and

cultural roles.

Stereotypes are fixed general ideas or images that assume that a

person behaves in a particular way.

Stereotypes limit aspirations and development of talents.

They create gender differences.

These gender differences ought to be addressed using appropriate

strategies.

A strategy is a careful plan or method of dealing with an issue

We can address gender stereotypes in career and entrepreneurial

opportunities related to social studies through the following strategies

1. Committing and encouraging both males and females to take a

full range of careers and business opportunities
2. Ensuring representation of both genders in leadership
3. Treating both males and females equally by using texts and
circular that does not promote gender bias
4. Develop policies, law and decision making process that represent
both males and females
Recognising biological difference devoid of stereotypes in
career choices and entrepreneurial opportunities in social
studies

 There are biological differences between male and female

people.
 Biological difference should never be a hindrance to one’s career
choice and entrepreneurial opportunities
 Both male and female should be given equal opportunities to
pursue their dreams
Demonstrating respect for one’s gender identity in pursuit of
social studies careers and entrepreneurial opportunities
NATURAL AND HISTORIC BUILT ENVIRONMENT IN AFRICA

MAPS AND MAPWORK

A map is a representation of the earth or part of it on a flat surface.

Position of Africa

 Africa lies between latitude 37ºN and 35ºS and on longitude

18ºW and 52ºE.
 Separated by water from all other continent except at the point
where it joins Asia.
 Mostly Easterly point is called ras hafun(cape guardafui)
 Mostly westerly is cape verde
 Mostly northerly is cape bon
 Mostly southerly is cape agulhas
 Africa is connected to sinai peninsula by suez canal
 Separated from Spain by strait of gibraltar
 Separated from Arabia by strait of bab el-mandeb
Shape of Africa

The northern half is very wide while the southern is much narrower

At the cape guardafui extends outwards in the shape of a horn

therefore the horn of Africa

Size of Africa

Africa is the second largest continent in the world

Has an area of about 30.3 million square kilometres (20% of the total
land surface)

It measures 8000 km from north to south and 7400km from east to

west

Other continents

1. Asia – 43608000km2
2. Africa – 30335000km2
3. North America – 25349000km2
4. South America – 17611000km2
5. Antarctica – 13340000km2
6. Europe – 10498000km2
7. Australia – 8923000km2
Countries that makes up the Africa continent

Africa has the largest number of countries in the world making o total
of 55 countries

1. Algeria 2381741km2
2. Angola 1246700km2
3. Benin 115773km2
4. Botswana 600372km2
5. Burkina faso 274200km2
6. Burundi 28490km2
7. Cameroon 475900km2
8. Cape verde 7275km2
9. Central africa republic 622984km2
10. Chad 1284000km2
11. Comoros 2117km2
12. Congo 34965km2
13. Cόte d’ ivoire 322463km2
14. Djibouti 23310km2
15. DR congo 2345409km2
16. Egypt 1101449km2
17. Equatorial guinea 28051km2
18. Eritrea 124320km2
19. Ethiopia 1221900km2
20. Gabon 267667km2
21. Gambia 11369km2
22. Ghana 238537km2
23. Guinea 245957km2
24. Guinea bisau 36125km2
25. Kenya 582648km2
26. Lesotho 30460km2
27. Liberia 111369km2
28. Libya 1775000km2
29. Madagascar 592900km2
30. Malawi 118484km2
31. Mali 1240192km2
32. Mauritania 1030700km2
33. Mauritius 2040km2
34. Morocco 724730km2
35. Mozambique 802000km2
36. Niger 1267000km2
37. Namibia 824295km2
38. Nigeria 923773km2
39. Rwanda 26338km2
40. Sӑo Tome & principe 964km2
41. Senegal 196192km2
42. Seychelles 453km2
43. Sierra leone 72325km2
44. Somalia 626541km2
45. South africa 1221037km2
46. South sudan 644329km2
47. Sudan 1886068km2
48. Eswatini 17368km2
49. Tanzania 947419km2
50. Togo 56785km2
51. Tunisia 164154km2
52. Uganda 236036km2
53. Western sahara 252120km2
54. Zambia 752618km2
55. Zimbabwe 390759km2
The largest country in Africa is Algeria while the smallest is Seychelles.

Offshore island also form part of Africa;

1. Seychelles
2. Sao Tome and principe
3. Mauritius
4. Comoros
5. Madagascar
6. Cape verde
Locating places and features on a map using latitudes and
longitudes

 When giving the position of a place or features we with start with

the latitude and then longitude
Major latitudes and longitudes

 Major longitude is called prime meridian also called Greenwich

meridian
 In Africa it passes through:
 Ghana(Accra)
 Algeria
 Burkina faso
 Mali
 All other longitudes are measured and named from prime
meridian up to 180 ̊ on both sides
 Major latitude are 3 passing through Africa
 Equator 0 ̊ – divides Africa into two parts
It passes through;

1. Gabon
2. Congo
3. DR congo
4. Uganda
5. Kenya
6. Somalia
 Tropic of cancer 231/2 ̊ north of equator
It passes through;

1. Western sahara
2. Mali
3. Mauritania
4. Algeria
5. Libya
6. Egypt
 Tropic of capricorn 231/2 ̊ south of equator
It passes through:

1. Namibia
2. Botswana
3. South africa
4. Mozambique
5. Madagascar
6. Other important lines of latitude are far from africa are:
7. Arctic circle 661/2 ̊N
8. Antarctic circle 661/2 ̊S
Place Degrees north Degrees south Degree east Degrees

Kenya 5ºN 4½º S Between 34º W AND 42º E

Algeria

Abidjan

Eswatini

Cairo

Capetown

Freetown

Physical feature Degrees north Degrees south Degree east Degrees w

Lake turkana

Namib desert

Mt. Kilimanjaro

River Zambezi

Jos plateau

Calculating the time of different places in the world using

longitudes

 Rotation of the earth- This is movement of earth on its own axis

 Distance between longitudes is measured in degrees
 There are 360 meridians or longitudes
 One complete rotation is 360 ̊
 The direction of the rotation is from west to east i.e. anticlockwise
direction.
 One complete rotation takes 24 hours
 All places found in the east of the Greenwich meridian will see
sunrise first and therefore they are one hour ahead of those to
the west
Effects of rotation of the earth

1. Differences in time along different longitudes

2. Occurrence of day and night
24hrs = 360 ̊

1hr = ?

360×1 ÷24 =15

Therefore 1hr =15 ̊ or 360 ̊= (24×60)minutes=1440min

̊= 1440÷360 ×1=4min

I Hr the earth covers 15º and 1º it covers 4 minutes

Calculating time of places found to the east of Greenwich

Meridian

Example 1

The time in Accra 0 ̊ is [Link] time in bermbera 45 ̊E

1hr =15 ̊

? = 45 ̊ = 45÷15×1 =3hrs

So 3hrs is equivalent to 45 ̊ then add 3hrs to 7.00am to get 10.00am

Example 2
Suppose the time at GWM is 12 noon what is the local time at Watamu
40◦E?

Time gained=40×4=160min=2 hours 40min

Local time at Watamu is 12.00+2.40=14.40-1200=2.40pm.

Example 3

At Dar-es-Salaam 40◦E time is 12pm what is the time at Ecuador 40◦E?

40◦+20◦=60◦

60×4=240min=4hours

Ecuador is behind in time =12.00-4=8 am.

NB

 When calculating time to the east of Greenwich meridian, we add

the time difference to the local time.
Calculating time of places found to the west of Greenwich
Meridian

 When calculating time to the west of Greenwich meridian we

subtract the time difference to the local time
Example 1

A plane leaves off in New York, 74ºW at 7 am local time. What is the
local time in Stockholm 18ºE

NB

 If the places are on the same side subtract the degrees to get the
difference and add or subtract from the reference time depending
on which side the place is.
Pictures, plan and maps

Picture Plan Maps

Outline of something drawn to Representation of the whole or p
Image of a real object
scale earth’s surface drawn to scale

Gives details in their visible shapes Also drawn as if a person was

Shows outline of objects on the gro
and sizes directly above the ground

Can be inform of free hand, Drawn as if the drawer was above

It represents a very small place
drawing, painting or a photograph ground

The scale is large to show details

Not drawn to scale It shows details
e.g. house plan

Most of the features are indicated b

Gives specific information
symbols.

Types of maps

1. Topographical maps
This shows selected natural physical features on a small portion of a
country.

 Atlas map this is a collection of maps in one volume

 Sketch map maps which are roughly drawn.
A good sketch map should have the following characteristics:

1. Neat and clear

2. Title
3. Frame
4. Key
5. Compass direction
Importance of maps in day to day lives

1. Sketch maps are used to summarise information for easy

reference.
2. Used for locating other countries.
3. Used for comparing sizes of countries.
4. For locating climatic regions of different parts of the world.
5. Give information on distribution of geographical phenomena e.g.
vegetation on the earth’s surface.
6. Help travellers to find their way.
7. Used to calculate distance of a certain place.
8. Used to locate physical features like landforms.
THE EARTH AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM

Solar system is the group of heavenly bodies comprising the sun and
the planets.

The origin of the solar system

1. The passing star theory

A star with a greater gravitational pull passed near the sun

It attracted large quantities of gaseous materials from the sun

The materials split, cooled and condensed to form planets

The planets were set in orbit by the passing star

 The nebula cloud theory

There was a slowly rotating cloud of dust and gas called Nebula

It cooled and began to contact

Rotation speed increased and successive rings of gaseous materials

were formed.

The rings condensed to form planets

The central gaseous material remained as the sun

Size of the earth

Equatorial diameter-12756km
Equatorial circumference-40085km

Polar diameter-39995km

Surface area of the earth-510×106 km2

Water surface – 73%.

MERCURY

Nearest from the sun

Its 58m km from the sun

Has no satellites

Takes approximately 88 earth days to revolve around the sun

Venus

2nd planet from the sun

It’s 108m km from the sun

One of the brightest planets

Can be seen clearly with naked eyes

Takes approximately 225 earth days to revolve around the sun

Slightly smaller than the earth

Has no satellites

Together with the earth they are called twin planets due to having
many similarities

Mars
Also called The Red Planet because when it’s observed through a
telescope it appears reddish.

The 4th from the sun

Slightly smaller than the earth

Approximately 228m km from the sun

Takes 687 earth days to revolve around the sun

Between Mass and Jupiter there are small celestial bodies called
planetoids.

Has no satellite.

Jupiter

5th planet from the sun

Approximately 778m km from the sun

Largest in the universe

Rotates on its own axis at very fast speed

Has flattened poles due to its fast speed of rotation

Has very thick layers of ice on its surface

takes 12 earth years to revolve around the sun

Has 16 satellites

Saturn

6th planet from the sun

Second largest planet

Approximately 1427m km from the sun

Takes 29 ½ earth years to revolve around the sun

Has a ring around it

Has 18 satellites

Uranus

7th planet from the sun

About 4 times bigger than the earth

Approximately 2870m km from the sun

Also rotates very fast

Also has flattened poles due to fast speed of rotation

It appears greenish foe being surrounded by methane gas

Has 8 satellites

Takes 84 earth years to revolve around the sun

Neptune

One of the farthest from the sun

8th planet from the sun

Approximately 4497m km from the sun

Has 8 satellites

Takes 165 earth years to revolve around the sun

Very similar in size, colour and character with Uranus

The shape of the earth

The shape of the earth is called geoid/ovoid/oblate spheroid due to

being an imperfect sphere by being wide at the equator and flat at the
poles.

The position of the earth in the solar system

The 3rd planet from the sun

The earth and the heavenly bodies make the universe

The only planet that supports life

The home of man

Approximately 149m km from the sun

Takes 365 ¼ days to revolve around the sun

Has one satellite, the moon

Rotation of the earth

Movement of the earth on its own axis (imaginary line through the
centre from N pole to S pole

Rotates through 360º

Takes 24 hours (day) to complete 1 rotation

Rotates in an anticlockwise direction (west to east)

Effects of Rotation of the Earth

1. Creates day and night because at any one time one side of the
earth faces the sun (day) and the other remains in darkness
(night).
2. Causes deflection of winds and ocean currents in the N
hemisphere to the left and in the S hemisphere to the right.
3. It causes rising and falling of ocean tides.
4. Causes time difference between longitudes
Effects of Rotation of the Earth on human activities

Effects of Rotation How rotation affects human activities

Day and night Planning day and night activities

High and low tides Helps in fishing activities Sea transport –

Triggering of cyclones, hurricanes and tornadoes for example the deflection cause pres
Deflection of winds
changes which affect ocean currents and movement of wind Growing of crops Aviatio
and ocean currents
transport Causes flooding

Time difference Travelling Education Sports

Revolution of the earth

 Movement of the earth in its orbit around the sun.

 It’s in anticlockwise direction.
 The orbit of the earth’s revolution is elliptical.
 Takes 365 ¼ days in a year or 366 days in a leap year (every 4
years).
 The sun moves from the tropic of cancer to the equator and then
towards tropic of Capricorn and back to the tropic of cancer.
 21st march and 23rd September are called equinoxes becausethe
length of day and night is equal. The sun is vertically overhead at
noon at the equator.
 21st June is called summer solstice because its summer in the N
hemisphere. The sun is vertically overhead at noon at the tropic
of cancer.
 22nd December is called winter solstice because its winter in the
S. hemisphere. The sun is vertically overhead at noon at noon at
the tropic of Capricorn.
 Solstice is the period of maximum tilting of the earth towards the
sun.
Effects of the Revolution of the earth

1. Causes the four seasons summer, autumn, winter and spring due
to the movement of overhead sun causing changes in the heat
belt.
2. Causes variation of day and night’s lengths due to the earth’s
axis being inclined to the path of revolution at an angle of 60◦.
3. Equinoxes have equal lengths of day and night.
4. Summers have longer days and shorter nights.
5. Winters have longer nights and shorter days.
 Causes changes in the altitude of the midday sun due to the
earth’s orbit being elliptical.
 Highest altitude during equinox
 Lowest altitude during solstices
 Causes lunar eclipse due to revolution bringing the earth in line
with the sun and the moon.
Effects of the Revolution of the earth on human activities

Effects of Revolution How revolution affects human act

Changes in the position of midday sun at different times of the year

Varying length of day and night at different times of the day

Seasons

The internal structure of the earth

A. Crust/Lithosphere

 Outermost layer of the earth

 Made of soils and other loose deposits of sand
 The dominant rocks are granites.
 Extends 0-50km
 Has 2 layers
1. Sial

 Also called continental crust

 Made of light coloured rocks
 Called sial because it’s made up of silica and aluminium.
2. Sima

 Also called oceanic crust

 Mainly made of basaltic rocks which are brittle.
 Called sima because it is made of silica magnesium and iron.
B. Mohorovicic Discontinuity (Moho)
 A definite zone of discontinuity between the crust and the
mantle.
 Was discovered by Dr. Andrija Mohorovicic in 1909.
 The Mantle/Asthenosphere
 Layer lying between the crust and the core
 Made of iron and magnesium
 Has two layers
 Upper mantle
 Rocks are more elastic than those of sima.
 Temperature is about 1000◦c.
 lower mantle
 Rocks are like very viscous liquid.
 Temperature ranges between 1000◦c to 3000◦c.
 Gutenberg Discontinuity
A definite zone of discontinuity between mantle and core.

 Core/barysphere/Centrosphere
 The innermost/central layer of the earth.
 Has 2 layers
 Outer Core
 Composed of very dense rocks
 Made up of nickel and iron
 Temperatures are up to 3700◦c.
 Inner Core
 A solid mass of mainly iron
 Temperatures are estimated to be 4500◦c to 5000◦c.
F. The Atmosphere

Layer of gases surrounding the earth.

The earth revolves with it because its held onto it by gravity

It’s about 330km thick.

Composition of the Atmosphere

 Gases-exist as a mixture
 Smoke particles
 Dust particles
 Water vapour
G. hydrosphere
Ocean and seas

WEATHER

Weather is the daily atmospheric conditions of a place at a particular

time.

ELEMENTS OF WEATHER

1. Temperature
Measure or degree of hotness or coldness of a place

 Humidity
The amount of water vapour or moisture in the atmosphere

 Precipitation
All forms of moisture which fall from the atmosphere to the earth’s
surface

Rainfall is a form of precipitation formed from clouds that in form of

water droplets

 Atmospheric pressure
 Wind
Moving air on the surface of the earth

 Sunshine
Direct rays of sunlight on the surface of the earth

 Cloud cover
Mass of tiny droplets of water or ice formed through condensation

Analysis and interpretation of weather conditions

Diurnal/daily Temperature range

-Difference between the maximum and minimum temperature for any

one day.

Mean Daily Temperature

-Average of the maximum and the minimum daily temperatures.

Mean Monthly temperature

-Sum of mean daily temperatures in a month divided by the number of

days in that month.

Mean Monthly minimum Temperature

-Sum of daily minimum temperatures divided by the number of days in

that month.

Mean Monthly Maximum Temperature

-Sum of daily maximum temperatures divided by the number of days in

that month.

Mean Annual Temperature

-Sum of mean monthly temperatures divided by 12.

Mean Annual Temperature Range

-Difference between the highest and the lowest mean monthly

temperatures in a year.

Monthly Rainfall Total

-Sum of rainfall recorded in a month.

Annual Rainfall Total

-Sum of monthly rainfall totals for 12 months.

Mean Monthly Rainfall

-Sum of rainfall totals for a particular month over several years divided
by the number of the years of observation.
Mean Annual Rainfall

-Sum of mean monthly rainfall for 12 months of the year.

Factors to consider when siting a weather station

Weather Station

–A place where observation, measuring and recording of weather

elements is done

Factors to Be Taken Into Account When Sitting a Weather

Station

1. Open space
An open place where there is little obstruction of weather elements.

Accessible place
Accessible place so that recording can be done easily.

 Gently sloping land

A fairly level or gently sloping ground (5◦) so that it’s easy to position
weather instruments.

Security
The place should have security

 The place should provide a wide view of the surrounding

landscape and the sky.
 The site should be free from flooding.
.

Constructing selected instruments for measuring elements of

weather

Instruments for Measuring Elements of Weather

1. Thermometer- measures temperature

2. Hygrometer- measures humidity
3. Rain gauge-measures rainfall
4. Barometer-measures air pressure
5. Sunshine recorder-measures sunshine duration and intensity
6. Wind vane –measures wind direction
7. Anemometer-measures wind speed
1. Constructing a wind stock
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PUPIL’S ACTIVITY

PAGE 52

Materials needed

1. A paper cup
2. Clay and plasticine
3. A pin
4. Drinking straw
5. Marker pen
6. A white circular cardboard
7. Square and triangular paper cuttings
8. A pencil with a rubber head
1. Constructing a rain gauge
PUPIL’S ACTIVITY

PAGE 53

Materials needed

1. A 2-litre plastic bottle

2. Ruler
3. A ballpoint pen
4. Masking tape
5. A scalpel or pair of scissors

1. Constructing a Windsock
PUPIL’S ACTIVITY

PAGE 53-54

Materials needed

1. Cylindrical bag
2. String
3. A scalpel
4. Water paints
5. An empty plastic fat/magarine tin
6. Masking tape or cellotape
7. A pole with a pointed end
8. Painting brushes or chewed sticks

Significance of weather to human

1. Helps us to be aware of natural calamities related to weather

before they occur so as to take precautionary measures.
2. Guiding tourists on when to visit national parks.
3. Helps farmers to plan their activities such as planting, harvesting,
etc.
4. Ensures air and water transport is carried out safely.
5. Helps sporting people to plan their training and competition
schedules.
6. Helps people to plan many other activities such as mining,
electricity generation, holiday events, etc.
7. Helps fishing communities to plan their activities
Historical information

Sources of historical information in the society

1. Monuments
2. Caves
3. Historical pictures
4. Folk songs
5. Old coins
6. Recorded folk stories
7. Archaeological sites
8. Textbooks
9. Articles
10. Myths
11. Artefacts,
12. Fossils
Primary and secondary sources of information

Primary source is historical information that are created during the

time period studied or were created at a later age by participant in
even being practised

Secondary source is historical information that interprets or analyses a

historical phenomenon
Primary sources of historical information Secondary sources of historical information

Ways of preserving historical information

Significance of historical information in providing evidence of

past accounts

Sources of historical Significance of sources of

How did it provide evidence of past accoun
information information

Provide cultural values of the They are preserved in museums and cultur
Primary source
society for viewing
Provide knowledge to students of
Secondary sources They are stocked in libraries and archives
history

PEOPLE AND POLPULATION

HUMAN ORIGIN

TRADITIONAL STORIES ON HUMAN ORIGIN

This is an attempt by communities of people to explain their origin.

It is given through Oral Traditions, myths and legends.

It mainly states that the first people were created by God

1. Kikuyu community
According to the Agikuyu, God (Ngai) appeared and created their
ancestors (Gikuyu and Mumbi) at Mukurwe Wa Gathanga near present
day Muranga

Gikuyu and Mumbi gave birth to 9 daughters who later formed the nine
class
 Bukusu
The bukusu of wetern Kenya belives that the fist man was called
Mwambu.

He was made from mud by WELE KHAKABA (God the creator) at a

place called Mumbo which means west.

God created a wife for him. Mwambu and his wife moved from Mumbo
to the foothills of Mt. Masaba-mt elgon- where their descendants grew
in numbers to become the Abaluhya community

 Maasai
Once upon a time Enkai (God) owned all the cattle in the world. One
day he opened the sky and replaced all the cattle he owned from
heaven to earth using a long rope.

Enkai created 3 communities on earth

The Torrobo(also the Ogiek) , the gikuyu whom God bless with seed
and grain and the Maasai whom God blessed with all the cattle of the
world

 Akamba community
The akamba community believes that God was called Mulungu. He
created the first man MUNDU and woman KIVETI.

They were then placed on top of Nzaui Hill in makueni.

He blessed them with children and livestock

 Nandi community
According to the Nandi, the first two people came from the knees of a
giant man, which began to swell until they burst. A man came from
one knee and a woman from the other. These became the ancestors of
the Nandi-speaking people of Kenya. This is an example of myths in
certain communities that do not directly refer to God‟s creation.

RELIGIOUS STORIES ON HUMAN ORIGIN

This presents man and everything else as having been created by
God.

It is contained mainly in

1. The Bible (used by Christians)

God created the heaven and earth according to Genesis chapter 2

 The Quran (used by Muslims).

Islam believes that all living and non living things were created by
Allah

 Hindu
The universe was created by Brahma. He is regarded as the hindu god
of creation

Factors proving that Africa is the cradle of humankind

 African Savannas were ideal for primates.

 The moist, warm and varied climate supported animal and plant
life.
 Archaeological sites were discovered in the Great Lakes region of
eastern Africa and along the Great Rift Valley. This confirms that
hominids were living in this region by the time the rift valley was
being formed.
 The earliest apes and various animals may have first lived around
what is now Lake Victoria and the rift valley, then some went
northwards into Europe and Asia. This was because, at that time,
areas along the Equator (especially central and west Africa) were
covered in thick forest. Around the Great lakes of East Africa was
the Savannah (grassland with scattered trees and bushes). It was
in this environment that man had his first home.
 Due to earth quakes and volcanic eruptions during the
formation of the great rift valley, allot of dust was brought up,
which covered places where hominids had left their weapons,
tools, their own bones, and those of other animals. These
became archaeological sites in east Africa
 Remains found in Africa especially Eastern Africa are evidence
that Africa is the cradle of mankind.


Evolution is a natural process of gradual and continuous change of
living organisms from a lower (simpler) state to a better-adapted
(complex) and superior one.

Archaeological site or prehistoric site

Is a place where human remains were found

Archaeologists

Are scientists who excavated the human remains for study

Fossils

Human remains

STAGES OF MAN’S EVOLUTION

1. Ramapithecus also called kenyapithecus

The 15-12 million year-old remains of Ramapithecus were found by
Mary and Louis Leakey at Fort Ternan near kericho and also at
Samburu hills and in the Lakes Turkana and Baringo basins.
Ramapithecus and other manlike creatures were also discovered in
Europe, India and China.

Characteristics of Ramapithecus

 He was manlike.
 He had small canines.
 He was quadrapedal (he moved on his four limbs), though he
occasionally walked on two legs
 Australopithecus/southern ape/zinjathropus
Remains of Australopithecus were found at Taung in Botswana in
1924 by Raymond Dart, at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania by Mary Leakey
in 1959 and throughout eastern Africa e.g. regions around Lake
Natron in Tanzania, Lake Turkana in Kenya and Omo River valley in
Ethiopia.

Characteristics of Australopithecus
 He was the earliest most manlike hominid.
 He had a pelvis and leg that were similar to modern man‟s.
 He was bipedal (walked on two limbs).
 Could defend themselves.
 Could attack their enemies.
 Could see or sense impending danger from a distance.
 Could grasp objects with ease.
 May have been hairy, short and strong.
 Had a large face and low forehead.
 Had stereoscopic vision.
 Had much larger teeth, skull and jaws.
 His brain was smaller than modern man‟s, but larger than that of
the most intelligent ape: the Gorilla.
 Homo habilis (Practical man).
This was the first species of the genus Homo. His two and a half to one
and a half million- year old remains were found at Olduvai Gorge by
Jonathan Leakey in 1964, Hadar and Omo River valley in Ethiopia and
Koobi-For a in the lake Turkana area in 1972.

Characteristics of Homohabilis

 He was five feet tall.

 He had a skull similar to modern man‟s in shape.
 He was omnivorous.
 He could grasp objects.
 He made and used tools.
 HOMOERECTUS (upright man).
Homoerectus lived between two million to two hundred thousand
years ago.

 He was five and a half feet tall.

 He was bipedal (walked on two legs).
 He made and used tools, such as hand-axes, crude spears and
arrowheads from stone,
 bone and wood.
 Homo sapiens (Thinking/Intelligent man).
Homo sapien appeared between two hundred thousand and a hundred
and fifty thousand years ago.

Characteristics of Homosapien
 He was under six feet tall
 He had small teeth.
 He had a steep and well-rounded forehead.
 He had long straight legs.
 He made a variety of more refined tools i.e. microliths.
 He was a fisherman and hunter-gatherer.
 He domesticated plants and animals.
 Remains of Homosapien were found at:
Eliye springs near Lake Turkana,

Kanjera and Kanam in Kenya,

Bodo and Omo river valley in Ethiopia,

Ngaloba in Tanzania.

EARLY CIVILASATION IN AFRICA

Meaning of state, kingdom and Empire

State

A territory is considered as an organised political community under one

government

Empire

An extensive group of semi autonomous states ruled by one ruler

Kingdom

A state or territory ruled by a king or queen

The ancient Egypt

Factors that led to growth of Ancient Egypt Civilization

1. Presence of river nile

It the annual flood of river nile and the use of shadoof method of
irrigation boosted agriculture
 Early technology
It ushered in the bronze stage where copper and tin were used to
make simple tools such as chisels and needles

Artisans also made pots for storage and cookery purposes using
potter’s wheel

 Population
High population in Ancient Egypt provided ready manpower and
market

 Strong military and leadership

They ensured growth of the kingdom through conquests and
assimilation of conquered neighbours into the empire

 Use of hieroglyphic
The formal writing helped keep reliable and accurate records in
religion, government and history

 Use of the calendar

Tracking of days and monitoring events such as annual flooding of the
nile, planting and harvesting period

 Specialised workers
They worked in various institutions. They helped in keeping recods in
the Egyptian empire.

They recorded harvest, finances and history

The Great Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe was a city near Masvingo in the central part of the
modern day Zimabwe, Mozambique and Botstwana.

It existed between 1000BC to 1500BC

Zimbabwe is a shone word meaning “stone houses”

Great Zimbabwe had a centralized government with hereditary kings.

This system of government led to the rise and growth of the kingdom
Factors that led to the growth of the Great Zimbabwe
civilization

1. Strong agricultural economy

2. Existence of several minerals deposits such as gold, copper
3. Trade
4. Strong leadership
5. Acquisition of firearms in exchange of goods
6. Strong army
7. Religious beliefs brought them together
The kingdom of Kongo

Factors that led to the growth of kingdom of Kongo

1. Strategic location of the kingdom

2. Favourable climate and the kingdom its closeness to congo river
which supported agriculture throughout the year
3. Arrival of Portuguese
4. Religion
5. Trade
6. Christianity
Locating ancient kingdoms on a map of Africa

Pupil’s activity

Page 77-78

Contributions of early African civilisation to the modern world

 Modern civilisation owes ts current development to the ancient

civilization.
 Ancient Egypt was the beginning of building designs and
construction of permanent buildings we have today.
 The hieroglyphics form of writing in Egypt used to keep records
developed into the modern writing and education
 The knowledge of planning and prediction of seasons based on
calendar started in the early civilisation. Today it is has been
developed further to include weather forecasting in predicting
accurate changes.
 The industrial development in the ancient kingdoms was based
on simple skill. Copper and tin were used in ancient Egypt to
make items. Today most of the industries use metals and alloys
to make construction and infrastructural equipment.
 The modern irrigation technology barrows a lot from the ancient
irrigation techniques such as shadoof. This has been applied in
the agricultural sector
 Tools such as jembes/hoes used in farming today were developed
in the ancient civilisation
 The political structure of modern government resembles the
early civilisation goverment

Social organisation of selected African communities up to 1900

Locating areas by the Ogiek, Zulu and Asante communities in

Africa

PUPILS’ ACTIVITY

PAGE 81

Social organisation of the Ogiek community up to 1900

Ogiek are southern nilotic speakers

Most of them live in the county of nakuru, mau and mt elgon forests

 Family was the basic unit among the ogiek community

 The lineage was responsible for enforcing traditional law and
order
 Father was head of the family
 The ogiek were polygamous
 There was division of labour among the ogiek community
Men provide for the family needs, provide leadership and security

Women worked in homestead, bear children and do household chores

Children helped with household chores, cultivating in farms and

artisanship

 The ogiek were a patriarchal society- men owned property and

passed it to their sons
 The ogiek believed in one supreme being called Tororet
 They believed also in the existence of ancestral spirits called Oiik
 They had diviners who could foretell the future using
supernatural powers
 Both boys and girls were initiated
Boys ceremony was called tumdo op went

Girls ceremony was called tumbo op tiipik

 Intiated boys of the same age group sets known as ipinda

 The ogiek used plants and herbs from forest for treating diseases
Social organisation of the Zulu community up to 1900

Zulu are Ngni people, bantu speaking

They occupy Kwazulu natal province in South africa

In the Ngumi languages izulu means heaven or weather

The zulu clans referred to as the isizwe

The zulu society was organised into parilineal sibs. The sibs were
further divide into lineages which were composed of descendants of a
common ancestor

Most households comprised extended families who lived in one

household called kraal

Men inherited everything. Inheritance was patrilineal

The zulu people were polygamous. Men married many wives and lived
with them with the extended family in the kraal.

Men paid dowry in terms of cows and gifts during the weeding day
umabo

The zulu community believed in Umhlanga or reeds dance ceremony

Beadwork was a prominent wttire that worn at the Umahlanga

Beadworks was a sign of communication

It also symbolised wealth status of a person

Zulu believed in one God called uNkulunkulu

The controlled day to day human life of the Zulu community

The zulu had traditional mediceine men who treated the sick

Social organisation of the Asante community up to 1900

Asante are Akan speaking people

They live in the central part of the Modern day Ghana

Are organsised into clans whch is headed by a chief

Each clan speaks its own dialect of the Aken language

They believe in one supreme creator called Nyame

Ancestors were believed to connect people to Nyame

Asante empire leader was called Asatehene

He also acted as a spiritual leader

Omamhene and chiefs were all religious leaders who presided over
religious ceremonies

Golden stool was th symbol of national unity in the Aasnte empire

It symboised ones and authority from the Asantehene

It was based in Kumasi, the capital of Asant empire

Odwira festival was an annual ceremony

They believed in the spirits of the departed rulers

Asante were socially stratified into 5 main divions

1st division – king and those close to the king

 Lived in the capital of Kumasi

 Were wealthy and lived in luxury
2 division – consisted of the chiefs and top officials who assisted the
nd

king in enforcing law and order

3rd division – those who had acquired a lot of wealth hence respect in
the society

4th division – comprised of ordinary farmers, traders and fishermen

5th division – the lowest class was for the slaves

Asante families were extebded and matrilineal – mother’s brother was

the legal guardian of her children

Asante were experts in form of decoration, logos, arts, sculture and

pottery

These were known as Adinkra symbols

Comparing the social organisation of thr Ogiek, Zulu, and

Asante community up to 1900

Aspect of social
The Ogiek The Zulu The Asa
organisation

Marriage Polygamous Polygamous

Initiation ceremony

Social gender roles

Art and clothing

Family set up

believed in one God called supreme

Name of their God Tororet
uNkulunkulu called N

The ogiek were a patriarchal society- men Men inherited everything.

Inheritance
owned property and passed it to their sons Inheritance was patrilineal

Circumcision Both boys and girls were initiated

Human diversity and inclusion

Personality attributes which make individuals different from

others

Personality attributes are qualities or characteristics that

differentiate the character, action and attitude of a person from one
another

Personality attribute Description

Openness to experience

Introversion

Extroversion

Agreeableness
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