Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS2, JSS 2)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 1
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson:
Topic: Mali Empire (part 1)
Subject Matter: Origin and early history of Mali Empire, Location of Mali Empire on the map of Africa

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Explain the origin and early history of the Mali Empire.
(b) Identify the geographical location of the Mali Empire on the map of Africa.
Affective Domain:
(a) Show interest in learning about African empires.
(b) Appreciate the significance of the Mali Empire in African history.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Accurately locate the Mali Empire on a map of Africa.
(b) Draw a simple map showing the boundaries and neighboring regions of the Mali Empire.
Social Domain:
(a) Work collaboratively in groups to discuss the historical contributions of the Mali Empire.
(b) Participate actively in class discussions and group activities related to the topic.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Junior Secondary Schools
Wikipedia – Mali Empire
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

World map of Africa
Atlases and globes
Chart papers showing the Mali Empire
Markers and crayons
Pictures/illustrations of early Mali Empire
Projector for slides or videos on Mali Empire

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the origin, history, and geographical importance of the Mali Empire in African history.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have a basic understanding of African empires and early civilizations studied in previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Mali Empire

Origin of the Mali Empire

The Mali Empire was a powerful West African empire that grew from the small kingdom of Kangaba around the 13th century. It emerged after the decline of the Ghana Empire and became famous for its wealth, trade, and Islamic learning centers.

The following are key points on the origin:

Founded by Sundiata Keita, also known as the “Lion King of Mali.”
Grew from small settlements and villages along the Niger River.
Developed through alliances and conquest of neighboring regions.
Became a center for trade, especially in gold, salt, and kola nuts.

Early History of the Mali Empire

The early history of the Mali Empire highlights the rise of powerful rulers, military expansion, and cultural achievements.

These include:

Sundiata Keita defeated the Sosso king Sumanguru Kante in the Battle of Kirina (1235 AD).
The establishment of a strong centralized government and administrative structure.
Promotion of agriculture, trade, and Islamic education.
Expansion to include cities like Timbuktu and Gao.

Location of the Mali Empire on the Map of Africa

The Mali Empire was located in West Africa, mainly in present-day Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and parts of Mauritania and Niger. Its position along the Niger River made it strategic for trade and defense.

They are:

Bordered by the Sahara Desert to the north.
Bordered by the forests and rivers to the south and west.
Centered along the middle Niger River, facilitating trade routes.
Neighboring empires included Songhai to the east and Ghana to the west.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Storytelling, Explanation, Visual Aids, Group Work, Question and Answer

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Greet pupils, ask questions about African empires they know, show a map of Africa highlighting the location of Mali Empire.
Pupils’ Activity: Respond to questions, observe map.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and aware of the lesson topic.

Step 2: Origin of the Mali Empire

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Present the origin of the Mali Empire using charts and storytelling; explain key founders and historical context.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen, take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how the Mali Empire was founded.

Step 3: Early History of the Mali Empire

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Lecture and Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Explain early rulers, key events, and cultural achievements; encourage pupils to ask questions.
Pupils’ Activity: Participate in discussion and answer questions.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the historical significance of the Mali Empire.

Step 4: Location of the Mali Empire

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Show maps and guide pupils to locate Mali Empire and its neighboring regions.
Pupils’ Activity: Locate and mark Mali Empire on their individual maps.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify the geographical location of Mali Empire.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: Summarize the key points on the board for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Copy lesson content carefully.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate knowledge in written form.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Who founded the Mali Empire?
Name two key achievements of the early Mali Empire.
Where was the Mali Empire located in Africa?
Pupils’ Activity: Answer questions orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Assessment of pupils’ understanding.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Recap the lesson, highlight the importance of the Mali Empire, give homework to read more about Sundiata Keita.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen and note homework.
Learning Point: Pupils leave the lesson with reinforced knowledge and direction for self-study.

Lesson Keywords

Mali Empire – powerful West African empire
Sundiata Keita – founder of Mali Empire
Niger River – major river in West Africa
Timbuktu – key city in Mali Empire
Ghana Empire – predecessor empire in West Africa

Differentiation

Provide visual aids and maps for pupils who struggle with reading, allow group discussion for collaborative learners, and assign additional reading for advanced pupils.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure to use maps and illustrations to make the lesson engaging; relate Mali Empire’s trade to modern economic activities for relevance.