Mansa Musa & Medieval Melodies Mashup

Activities	Rhythms of Africa Workshop - Begin with a music and dance workshop introducing students to traditional African rhythms and dances, establishing a connection to the cultural exchanges along ancient trade routes. This activity sets the tone for exploring medieval Africa's rich history. (10 min) Interactive Map Creation - Students collaborate to create a large-scale interactive map of medieval Africa's trade routes using colored markers and QR codes, fostering teamwork and understanding of historical geography. (15 min) Video Production Planning - Small groups brainstorm and outline short videos explaining the significance of specific trade routes on the map, integrating research on goods exchanged and cultural influences. (10 min) Role-Play Exploration - Students engage in a role-play activity as traders or scholars in medieval Africa, discussing their roles and reflecting on the importance of cultural exchanges in shaping personal development and global history. (5 min) Timbuktu Model Design - Students begin designing and constructing a scale model of Timbuktu using recycled materials, focusing on architectural features and sustainability, while building creativity and spatial awareness. (5 min)
Deliverables	1. A large-scale interactive map with QR codes linked to student-created videos explaining the significance of each trade route. 2. A scale model of Timbuktu showcasing key architectural features and emphasizing sustainability. 3. A collaboratively illustrated and annotated map highlighting medieval African trade routes, cities, and cultural influences. 4. Scripts and performances of short plays or skits depicting a day in the life of a merchant or scholar in medieval Mali. 5. A visual timeline illustrating major trade routes and cultural exchanges during medieval Africa. 6. Role-play reflections documenting students' understanding of cultural exchanges and personal development. 7. Multimedia projects and presentations for the 'Mansa Musa's Legacy Exhibition,' including videos, artwork, and digital presentations.
Preparation	1. Gather materials such as large sheets of paper or tarp for creating the interactive map, markers, and QR code stickers. 2. Acquire recycled materials for constructing the scale model of Timbuktu, including cardboard, plastic bottles, and paper. 3. Prepare digital devices with internet access to facilitate research and video production. 4. Set up a space for the music and dance workshop, ensuring access to speakers and traditional African music tracks. 5. Coordinate with local historians or cultural experts for the exhibition and arrange their participation. 6. Print and distribute guidelines for the collaborative map project and play/skit script writing. 7. Prepare reflection journals for students to document their learning process and insights.

Activities

Rhythms of Africa Workshop - Begin with a music and dance workshop introducing students to traditional African rhythms and dances, establishing a connection to the cultural exchanges along ancient trade routes. This activity sets the tone for exploring medieval Africa's rich history. (10 min)

Interactive Map Creation - Students collaborate to create a large-scale interactive map of medieval Africa's trade routes using colored markers and QR codes, fostering teamwork and understanding of historical geography. (15 min)

Video Production Planning - Small groups brainstorm and outline short videos explaining the significance of specific trade routes on the map, integrating research on goods exchanged and cultural influences. (10 min)

Role-Play Exploration - Students engage in a role-play activity as traders or scholars in medieval Africa, discussing their roles and reflecting on the importance of cultural exchanges in shaping personal development and global history. (5 min)

Timbuktu Model Design - Students begin designing and constructing a scale model of Timbuktu using recycled materials, focusing on architectural features and sustainability, while building creativity and spatial awareness. (5 min)

Deliverables

1. A large-scale interactive map with QR codes linked to student-created videos explaining the significance of each trade route.
2. A scale model of Timbuktu showcasing key architectural features and emphasizing sustainability.
3. A collaboratively illustrated and annotated map highlighting medieval African trade routes, cities, and cultural influences.
4. Scripts and performances of short plays or skits depicting a day in the life of a merchant or scholar in medieval Mali.
5. A visual timeline illustrating major trade routes and cultural exchanges during medieval Africa.
6. Role-play reflections documenting students' understanding of cultural exchanges and personal development.
7. Multimedia projects and presentations for the 'Mansa Musa's Legacy Exhibition,' including videos, artwork, and digital presentations.

Preparation

1. Gather materials such as large sheets of paper or tarp for creating the interactive map, markers, and QR code stickers.
2. Acquire recycled materials for constructing the scale model of Timbuktu, including cardboard, plastic bottles, and paper.
3. Prepare digital devices with internet access to facilitate research and video production.
4. Set up a space for the music and dance workshop, ensuring access to speakers and traditional African music tracks.
5. Coordinate with local historians or cultural experts for the exhibition and arrange their participation.
6. Print and distribute guidelines for the collaborative map project and play/skit script writing.
7. Prepare reflection journals for students to document their learning process and insights.