Force/Energy: Weight, Flow, and Attack
Students will explore how varying the force and energy of movements (e.g., strong, light, sustained, sudden) impacts expression.
Key Questions
- Explain how a dancer can convey weightlessness or heaviness through their movement quality.
- Construct a short dance phrase that demonstrates a clear shift in energy or force.
- Analyze how different qualities of movement (e.g., sustained vs. percussive) communicate distinct emotions.
Common Core State Standards
About This Topic
Nigeria: Africa's Giant explores the most populous nation on the continent and its role as a regional leader. Students examine Nigeria's 'resource curse', its vast oil wealth alongside high poverty rates, and the challenges of balancing the interests of over 250 ethnic groups, primarily the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo. The unit also highlights Nigeria's cultural influence, particularly through 'Nollywood,' the world's second-largest film industry.
This topic is a key example of the complexities of a developing nation with immense potential. It aligns with standards regarding the impact of natural resources on economic development and the role of culture in national identity. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of ethnic distribution and the flow of oil revenue through collaborative investigations.
Active Learning Ideas
Inquiry Circle: The Oil Wealth Puzzle
Groups are given data on Nigeria's oil production and its poverty rates. They must research where the money goes (infrastructure, corruption, foreign companies) and propose one way to make the wealth more equitable.
Gallery Walk: The Faces of Nigeria
Display profiles of the three major ethnic groups and the vibrant Nollywood film industry. Students rotate to identify the cultural strengths of each group and how they contribute to a shared Nigerian identity.
Think-Pair-Share: Diversity as Strength or Challenge?
Students discuss whether having 250 ethnic groups is an advantage or a disadvantage for a country. They share their thoughts with a partner and brainstorm ways a government can keep such a diverse nation united.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionNigeria is a poor country because it lacks resources.
What to Teach Instead
Nigeria is actually very wealthy in resources (especially oil), but it faces challenges with corruption and infrastructure. The 'Oil Wealth Puzzle' helps students understand the difference between national wealth and individual poverty.
Common MisconceptionAll Nigerians are the same culturally.
What to Teach Instead
Nigeria is incredibly diverse, with hundreds of languages and different religions (mostly Islam in the north and Christianity in the south). The 'Gallery Walk' is essential for highlighting this internal diversity.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Nigeria called 'Africa's Giant'?
What is Nollywood?
What are the main ethnic groups in Nigeria?
How can active learning help students understand Nigeria's complexity?
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