Africa

It is essential that our students learn about the world, its peoples and cultures, in order to appreciate their similarities and differences. Only then will we learn how to live in peace and harmony. This web site will give students and teachers a first-hand look at an African nation and see their similarities when studying such universal languages as the sciences, geography, math and technology.

~Momudu Mombouray
International Foundation for Education and Self-Help

This web site will demonstrate to the student that science, geography, mathematics and technology are universal languages, as evidenced in the West African Curriculum. The sciences (Biology, Agricultural Science, Chemistry and Physics) introduce the same basic concepts. Mathematics and Technology principles are essentially the same whether the student is studying in the U.S. or Africa. Specifically, Geography standards introduce the World's People: Africa: Nigeria in the sixth grade curriculum in Florida schools. Sample lesson plans (denoted A through H) are presented by Dr. Jane Hodges as a visiting educator to Nigeria are relevant to the National Curriculum for Senior Secondary Science, Nigeria, West Africa, in addition to the Florida Sunshine State Standards (denoted by numerals) demonstrating the commonality of the curriculum. In addition, space concepts can easily be introduced in these sample lessons. For example:

• Biology: Students study the Advanced Life Support System, Plant Space Biology and Space Medicine
• Chemistry: Students study Earth and Space Chemistry
• Physics: Students study Equilibrium of Forces (gravity/microgravity)

Summary of Strands and Standards for Geography and Science

Based on National Standards

Physics

The Nature of Matter: Introduction

• The student understands that all matter has observable, measurable properties.
• The student understands the basic principles of atomic theory.
• Energy: Electric Field
• The student recognizes that energy may be changed in form with varying efficiency.
• The student understands the interaction of matter and energy.
• Force and Motion: Equilibrium of Forces
• The student understands that types of motion may be described, measured and predicted.
• These students understand that the types of force that act on an object and the effect of that force can be described, measured and predicted.
• Processes that Shape the Earth: Acids, Bases and Salts; Earth and Space Chemistry
  • The student recognizes how those processes in the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere interact to shape Earth.
  • The student understands the need for protection of the natural systems on Earth.
• Earth and Space
  • The student understands the interaction and organization in the Solar System and the Universe and how this affects life on Earth.
  • The students recognize the vastness of the Universe and the Earth's place in it.
• Processes of Life: Biology and Living Things; Respiratory System, Sense Organs
  • The student describes patterns of structure and functions in living things.
  • The student understands the process and importance of genetic diversity.
• How Living Things Interact with the Environment (Agricultural Science): Relevance of Biology to Agriculture; Basic Ecological Concepts: Food Web; Ecology: How Wet is Our Planet/Habitat Lap Sit Activity
  • The student understands the competitive, interdependent, cyclic nature of living things in the environment
  • The student understands the consequences of using limited natural resources.
• Technology: The Nature of Science
  • The student uses the scientific process and habits of mind to solve problems.
  • The student understands that most natural events occur in comprehensible, consistent patterns.
  • The student understands that science, technology, and society is interwoven and interdependent.

Email, web casting, chat rooms and other distance education programs could enhance international student communication and understanding.

It is essential that students understand some background information on a country before comparing the curriculum, thus the following information is presented on this web site: Nigeria Overview, Health Concerns, Security Concerns, Education System, Politics, Economics, People, Wildlife, References.

African-American astronauts are wonderful role models who can motivate students to study space science and maybe even pursue a career in the astronaut corps. For more information on current and former black astronauts. . (Charlie Bolden; Guy Bluford; Yvonne Cagle; Fred Gregory; Joan Higgenbothen; Mae Jemison; Ronald McNair; Winston Scott, MD)