Scramble for africa lesson plan

Grades 7-9, 60-120min

The Scramble for Africa is a simulation of the colonization of Africa from 1500 through 1900. Students take on roles of major European countries and are given a dynamic set of objectives as they take turns claiming territory and resources across the map.

Scramble for africa lesson plan

This activity was adapted from a paper-based lesson by Andrew Patterson.

Note: This activity is a gamified version of a tragic period of history. This should not be used with students unless you can devote sufficient time afterwards for a class-wide conversation that properly contextualizes the choices students made in the game and explores the true impacts of colonialism.

You may also choose to provide some of this context up-front to best meet the needs of your students.

Topics addressed

• Colonization in Africa
• Geography, natural resources and climates of Africa
• Primary CT concept: pattern recognition.

  Students must plan where they want to claim territory over multiple turns