The World and Its People

Chapter 21: Southern Africa—A Varied Region

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter, students learned about the history, geography, and culture of South Africa and its neighbors. Zimbabwe is one of the four landlocked countries of inland southern Africa. Though Zimbabwe is not an economically rich country, it is rich in natural attractions and resources. In this activity, students will take a closer look at some of the natural wonders of Zimbabwe.

Lesson Description
Students will visit the Geographia Web site's feature about Zimbabwe. They will learn more about Zimbabwe's location and natural attractions-such as Great Zimbabwe, Lake Kariba, and Victoria Falls-and will then create a poster promoting one of Zimbabwe's famous sites for tourists.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will be able to identify Zimbabwe's location relative to the other countries of southern Africa.
2. Students will be able to describe several natural attractions located in Zimbabwe.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. Zimbabwe is a landlocked country at the southern tip of Africa, bordered by Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia.
2. Great Zimbabwe was the capital of a Shona trading empire that was occupied from as early as the third century A.D. to the 12th or 15th century when it collapsed for unknown reasons.
3. Lake Kariba is a human-made lake, formed in 1958 by the damming of the Zambezi River.
4. The best time to visit is between September and November. During March and April, when the water volume is at its peak, the falls create so much mist that they are difficult to see, and from May to September the mist adds to the season's high humidity.
5. Students' posters will vary.