TeachersFirst's Ancient Africa - Mali Resources
Introduce your students to the Mali Empire, a powerful West African state that flourished from the 13th to the 16th century CE. It was one of Africa's most influential and prosperous medieval civilizations. Share this thorough collection of resources with your students as a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Mali's history, culture, and legacy. This collection also includes a helpful article (view here) for teachers that highlights many activities and books related to the Mali Empire. The article includes activities and extensions to help differentiate the content and offer extra student support.
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Mali Facts for Kids - Twinkl Educational Publishing
Grades
3 to 5
This page provides a brief and engaging overview of Mali's geography, history, culture, and economy, making it a valuable resource for elementary and middle school classrooms. The site...more
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This page provides a brief and engaging overview of Mali's geography, history, culture, and economy, making it a valuable resource for elementary and middle school classrooms. The site highlights key aspects such as Mali's location in West Africa, its historical significance as part of the Mali Empire, and famous figures like Mansa Musa. It also covers the country's modern economy, climate, and traditions in a student-friendly format. In addition to the information on this site, you can download worksheets and coloring pages and watch a video about Mali. Teachers can use this resource to introduce Mali through fact-based reading, discussion prompts, and interactive activities to support geography, history, and social studies lessons. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): africa (170), cultures (226), deserts (17), flags (20), maps (224)
In the Classroom
Introduce students to the role of griots (storytellers) in Mali's culture and have students create and perform their own short oral stories or folktales. Set up a classroom "market" inspired by Mali's traditional markets. Assign students different roles (vendors, buyers, traders) with items like gold, salt, and textiles. Have them locate and label Mali, its capital (Bamako), major rivers (Niger River), and neighboring countries on a map. Consider using MapHubs reviewed here or Google My Maps reviewed here.Mali Empire - Loren Klein
Grades
5 to 8This video tells how the Mali Empire rose to power by conquering the Ghana Empire in 1234 and seizing control of major trade routes, allowing its rulers, known as "Mansas," ...more
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This video tells how the Mali Empire rose to power by conquering the Ghana Empire in 1234 and seizing control of major trade routes, allowing its rulers, known as "Mansas," to amass great wealth. Unlike Ghana's warrior kings, Mali's rulers expanded their empire by directly controlling gold and salt mines, ensuring economic dominance in West Africa. This video shows how Islam played a significant role in spreading their empire through trade and gaining influence under Mansa Musa, who converted to Islam and promoted religious and educational institutions. The empire's control over key trade centers, including Timbuktu and Gao, solidified its status as a powerful economic and cultural hub. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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In the Classroom
Display images of ancient civilizations' artifacts (ex., coins, pottery, statues). Have students predict their use and significance, then research and present findings. Students can work in small groups to compare religious beliefs, deities, and practices of two civilizations (ex., Mesopotamian vs. Egyptian) and create a Venn diagram on paper or using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here. Students can map trade routes using Google My Maps reviewed here or ePubEditor reviewed here.Mali Empire History - Cool Kid Facts
Grades
2 to 7Visit this kid-friendly overview of one of West Africa's greatest civilizations to learn about key topics such as the empire's rise to power, its wealth from the gold and salt ...more
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Visit this kid-friendly overview of one of West Africa's greatest civilizations to learn about key topics such as the empire's rise to power, its wealth from the gold and salt trade, famous rulers like Mansa Musa, and the significance of cities like Timbuktu as centers of learning. The website presents information in a clear and engaging way, making it a valuable resource for introducing younger students to African history. Teachers can use this page to support lessons on trade, culture, and leadership in the medieval world.
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tag(s): africa (170), archeology (30), cultures (226), maps (224), medieval (33)
In the Classroom
Set up different learning stations representing subjects studied in Timbuktu (astronomy, medicine, math). Students can rotate through the stations, completing mini-activities related to each subject. Students can research and build 3D models of Mali's famous structures, such as the Great Mosque of Djenne, using materials like clay, cardboard, or digital tools like Delightex (formerly CoSpaces) reviewed here or Tinkercad reviewed here. Have students compare the Mali Empire to another historical empire, such as the Roman Empire or the Incas, using a Venn diagram on paper or Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here, focusing on government, trade, culture, and legacy.Ancient Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Cluster Web Activity - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12This interactive resource guides students through the histories of three powerful West African empires, focusing on their trade networks, cultural achievements, and political structures....more
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This interactive resource guides students through the histories of three powerful West African empires, focusing on their trade networks, cultural achievements, and political structures. The activity uses a cluster web format to help students organize and visualize key concepts, making it an engaging way to deepen understanding of historical connections. Teachers can use this resource to support lessons on African history, world civilizations, or trade and cultural exchange.
tag(s): africa (170), cultures (226), politics (118), worksheets (71)
In the Classroom
Divide students into groups representing different West African empires. Give each group specific trade goods (gold, salt, ivory, etc.) and have them negotiate and "trade" with each other, simulating the trans-Saharan trade routes. Students can create annotated maps showing the locations of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay, major trade routes, and key cities like Timbuktu and Gao. Have them use MapHub reviewed here or ePubEditor reviewed here and add visuals and summaries to their maps. Assign students to research and compare the leadership styles of Sundiata Keita, Mansa Musa, and Sunni Ali. They can present their findings through a podcast-style discussion using Adobe Podcast, reviewed here or Buzzsprout reviewed here.
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Dance: Sundiata- Mali's Lion King - YPS Arts Department
Grades
6 to 8This lesson plan, Dance: Sundiata--Mali's Lion King, integrates history and the arts to engage students in learning about the legendary West African ruler, Sundiata Keita. Designed...more
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This lesson plan, Dance: Sundiata--Mali's Lion King, integrates history and the arts to engage students in learning about the legendary West African ruler, Sundiata Keita. Designed for middle school students, the lesson explores the story of Sundiata through dance, movement, and storytelling, reflecting the rich oral traditions of the Mali Empire. Students analyze the themes, historical significance, and cultural impact while expressing their understanding through choreographed performances. The resource includes guided discussion questions, key vocabulary, and creative activities to deepen comprehension and make history come alive through the arts.
tag(s): africa (170), african american (121), dance (33)
In the Classroom
Have your students mimic movements inspired by animals (like lions or birds) and warriors to connect with the themes of Sundiata's journey. Students can create a short poem or spoken-word piece about Sundiata's journey and perform it alongside interpretive dance movements. Students can research and compare traditional West African dance styles (such as Mandinka dance) with other global storytelling dances. They can present their findings through a short report or poster using Canva Edu reviewed here.Mali Lesson Plans - Virginia Department of Education
Grades
4 to 12Unlock the rich history of West Africa with this engaging instructional resource from the Virginia Department of Education. From the legendary rise of Sundiata Keita to the flourishing...more
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Unlock the rich history of West Africa with this engaging instructional resource from the Virginia Department of Education. From the legendary rise of Sundiata Keita to the flourishing trade networks of the Mali Empire, this guide provides teachers with dynamic lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive activities to immerse students in African history. With a focus on storytelling, historical analysis, and cultural connections, this resource equips educators with the tools to make history come alive in the classroom. Plus, the included links offer even more ways to enrich student learning!
tag(s): africa (170), creative writing (126), journals (16)
In the Classroom
Students can create a travel journal to record responses to lessons on paper or using Imagine Forest, reviewed here or Sway, reviewed here. Have students participate in a suitcase packing activity to prepare for an imaginary journey to Mali by choosing items they may need on the trip. Create a list of items they may pack and have them discuss their choices. Students can illustrate key moments from the Epic of Sundiata using a storyboard format. They can either draw by hand or use digital tools such as Google Drawings, reviewed here to represent important events, such as Sundiata's early struggles, his rise to power, and the establishment of the Mali Empire. Have students participate in a trade simulation to understand the economic power of the Mali Empire. They can role-play as merchants trading gold, salt, and other goods along the trans-Saharan trade routes.Lion King vs. Sundiata, Lion King of Mali - Engaging Everything
Grades
5 to 9This engaging video lesson helps students create a comic strip retelling the story of Sundiata while drawing connections to The Lion King. Students fold a blank sheet into eight squares...more
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This engaging video lesson helps students create a comic strip retelling the story of Sundiata while drawing connections to The Lion King. Students fold a blank sheet into eight squares (or use a provided template) and illustrate key moments from the story, incorporating twelve essential vocabulary terms. The lesson uses an adapted text from an African storyteller and highlights parallels between Sundiata and The Lion King, such as King Maghan representing Mufasa and Sundiata paralleling Simba. Accompanying resources, including a pre-made comic strip template and key terms, are available for teachers to support student engagement. If your district blocks YouTube, then this video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): africa (170), comics and cartoons (56), vocabulary (241)
In the Classroom
Have students make the comic on a device using ToonyTool reviewed here or Write Comics reviewed here. Students can compare Sundiata and The Lion King using a Venn diagram on paper or using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here, analyzing historical elements versus fictional adaptations. Before introducing Sundiata, have students match The Lion King characters (Mufasa, Simba, Scar, etc.) with their Sundiata counterparts based on descriptions. Then, reveal the actual connections and discuss.Rise and Fall of the Mali Empire - BioGreat TV
Grades
5 to 12Rise and Fall of the Mali Empire is a seven-minute YouTube video. The video highlights the history, leadership, accomplishments, and decline of the Mali Empire. While watching...more
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Rise and Fall of the Mali Empire is a seven-minute YouTube video. The video highlights the history, leadership, accomplishments, and decline of the Mali Empire. While watching the video, a sketch artist sketches pictures or words about the Mali Empire.
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In the Classroom
Students can use Google Keep, reviewed here to take notes about the video. Students can use Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here to create a timeline about the Mali Empire. Students can also research more about the leaders shared in the video.Mali: Elementary Lesson Plans - Virginia Department of Education
Grades
3 to 8Virginia Department of Education's Mali Elementary Lessons features three lessons: Journey to Mali, Lion King of Mali Character Study, and Mali Cause and Effect. The Journey to Mali...more
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Virginia Department of Education's Mali Elementary Lessons features three lessons: Journey to Mali, Lion King of Mali Character Study, and Mali Cause and Effect. The Journey to Mali lesson is broken into activities, including: Here Today - Gone to Mali, a Day in the Life, to Market to Market, King for a Day, the Village Voice, and Little by Little the Bird Builds its Nest. Lessons include objectives, materials, teaching methods/procedures, and evaluations. Lessons are aligned with Virginia's Standards of Learning for History and Social Science.
tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the lessons using the lesson plans provided. Students can use Book Creator reviewed here as a tool in writing about their life in the Mali Empire or to Market to Market. Students can use Figma reviewed here to create a cause-and-effect diagram outlining the formation and fall of the Mali Empire.Biography: Sundiata Keita of Mali - Ducksters
Grades
3 to 6The Ducksters page on Sundiata Keita offers a student-friendly biography of the legendary founder of the Mali Empire. It traces his journey from a physically challenged child to a powerful...more
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The Ducksters page on Sundiata Keita offers a student-friendly biography of the legendary founder of the Mali Empire. It traces his journey from a physically challenged child to a powerful leader who united the Malinke people and defeated the Soso at the Battle of Kirina. The site highlights his establishment of Niani as the empire's capital, his control over gold and salt trade routes, and his legacy as the "Lion King of Mali."
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tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Students can create a book using Book Creator reviewed here. Students can use MyLens reviewed here to create a timeline of Sundiata's life and accomplishments. Finally, students can use Google Drawings reviewed here to compare and contrast Sundiata to another emperor.The Mali Empire - National Geographic
Grades
5 to 8National Geographic: The Mali Empire is an article highlighting how King Sundiata Keita, also known as the "Lion King," brought wealth, culture, and Islamic faith to West Africa's...more
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National Geographic: The Mali Empire is an article highlighting how King Sundiata Keita, also known as the "Lion King," brought wealth, culture, and Islamic faith to West Africa's Mali Empire. It also discusses the fall of the empire after his death. The article includes a vocabulary section.
tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Drawings, reviewed here to compare and contrast King Sundiata Keita to different rulers during the same period. Students can use Google My Maps, reviewed here to virtually visit the area. Finally, students can use Timeline JS, reviewed here to create a timeline of the Mali Empire.The Griot tradition of West Africa - The Griot tradition of West Africa
Grades
3 to 12The Griot tradition of West Africa featuring Sibo Bangoura is a six-minute video featuring Sibo playing the Kora. Sibo sings a traditional West African song called Nan Fulie, which...more
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The Griot tradition of West Africa featuring Sibo Bangoura is a six-minute video featuring Sibo playing the Kora. Sibo sings a traditional West African song called Nan Fulie, which focuses on the importance of the Griot people. He additionally features an improvisation on the Djembe.
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tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Students can learn about the musical instruments Sibo features. Students can compare and contrast Sibo to other African musicians using Google Drawings, reviewed here. Finally, students can use WordClouds, reviewed here to share their feelings and emotions while listening to the songs.The Gold Road Project - Howard University Center for African Studies
Grades
8 to 12The Gold Road Project features an interactive map spotlighting the medieval Sudanic empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Use the icons at the top of the map to view the ...more
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The Gold Road Project features an interactive map spotlighting the medieval Sudanic empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Use the icons at the top of the map to view the information by selected periods or categories that include landscapes, places, people, trade/artifacts, and architecture. An additional option offers the ability to view trade routes containing information that identifies the main and important axis of trade and sources of gold, copper, and salt.
In the Classroom
Introduce this map to students as you begin your studies of medieval Africa. Allow them time to explore the map independently, then share ideas and questions created from their explorations. Use FigJam, reviewed here to gather students' thoughts. For example, within one FigJam, create frames (slides) for students to post questions, another for important information found, and another for comparisons between medieval Africa and contemporary Africa. Extend learning by asking students to share their understanding by creating maps made with Google My Maps, reviewed here. Use Google My Maps to create virtual field trips that feature links, images, and videos to tell the story of Africa.Africa in the K-16 Classroom Online Resources - Boston University African Studies Center
Grades
K to 12Boston University's Pardee School of Global Studies shares many free resources for teaching about Africa in all grade-level classrooms. Follow the links to access featured resources,...more
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Boston University's Pardee School of Global Studies shares many free resources for teaching about Africa in all grade-level classrooms. Follow the links to access featured resources, podcasts, teaching tips, and more. In addition, there is an extensive library for educators divided into grade-level categories. Each category includes resources for pedagogy, children's literature, lesson plans and activities, and additional classroom resources. Also, this website provides links to teaching about Africa divided into topics that include climate change, geography, literature and language, and others.
tag(s): africa (170), continents (33), countries (73)
In the Classroom
Add this excellent site to your other resources for teaching about the continent of Africa. Consider using a curation tool such as Milanote, reviewed here, to organize your ideas and projects into one location. Add links, notes, images, and more onto one Milanote vision board to make it easy to find and view your resources and ideas. As you implement and teach lessons found on the site, ask students to share their learning using multimedia presentation tools such as Sway, reviewed here, and Adobe Express for Education, reviewed here. Find culturally appropriate images for student use at Fresh Folk, reviewed here, and Unsplash, reviewed here.
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Tales from the Griots - The Mali Empire - TeachersFirst
Grades
6 to 12Tales from the Griots - Mali Empire is part of the TeachersFirst Help! I lost my media/library specialist collection found here...more
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Tales from the Griots - Mali Empire is part of the TeachersFirst Help! I lost my media/library specialist collection found here that features topics and resources that focus on integrating research with technology. This resource begins with introducing the Mali Empire that existed in Africa for over 400 years and continues with additional background information. Following the background information is a list of book suggestions and videos that include suggested classroom teaching ideas. The included extension activity suggests comparing and contrasting the Mali Empire with other civilizations.
tag(s): africa (170)
In the Classroom
Use the ideas and resources found in this article to enhance your lessons on ancient civilizations or provide information for a new teaching unit. In addition to the suggestions already seen on the article, consider using technology tools to help students curate resources, organize information, and share their learning. Wakelet, reviewed here, is an excellent tool for curating resources into shareable collections. Use Wakelet individually or collaboratively when working on research projects. Use CirclyApp, reviewed here, as a graphic organizer to help students understand and compare the Mali Empire with other civilizations. CirclyApp is an excellent visual tool that includes several useful templates to compare and contrast information easily. As students prepare to share their learning, consider the options found at Genially, reviewed here, for students to create interactive presentations, infographics, charts, and more. Resources correlate to ISTE and AASL National School Library Standards.
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Introduction to Africa - InterKnowledge Corp
Grades
4 to 8From Botswana to Zimbabwe, explore the diverse nations that make up the continent of Africa. Begin by choosing a country from the list to read short articles including information about...more
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From Botswana to Zimbabwe, explore the diverse nations that make up the continent of Africa. Begin by choosing a country from the list to read short articles including information about the history, climate, culture, and highlights of each area. This site is rather text-heavy, but includes a lot of useful information.
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tag(s): africa (170)