Warm up December 1, 20101. In parts of Africa, desertification is causing the desert to spread. As plants die, the soil blows away leaving the ground unfit for agriculture. What is the result of desertification?

A. tourists come to the region to enjoy the warm climate B. as the soil blows away, it is easier to mine gold C. a lack of adequate food production for the people D. the development of new clean technologies to provide jobs

2. What economic advantage does Saudi Arabia and Iran have over Israel?

A. Both Saudi Arabia and Iran have much stronger armies. B. Saudi Arabia and Iran are both destinations for tourists. C. Saudi Arabia and Iran are both oil producing countries. D. Israel, Saudi Arabia and Iran are very similar economically.

EQ: How do poor soil and deforestation distress Sub-Saharan Africa?

SS7G2 The student will discuss environmental issues across the continent of Africa.

b. Explain the relationship between poor soil and deforestation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

c. Explain the impact of desertification on the environment of Africa from the Sahel to the rainforest.

ActivatorK.I.M. Vocabulary Strategy

K- Key Concept I- Information (definition in your own words)

M- Memory Clue (Visual)

Deforestation

Desertification

Irrigation

CORNELL NOTES

Main Topic

EQ answer-Closing

Notes from Power Point

The Sahel• The Sahel is an area of Africa south of the Sahara

Desert. • It is an example of how poor farming practices and

the destruction of trees and shrubs can lead to an expanding desert.

• Centuries of farming and grazing along with less rainfall have gradually damaged land in the Sahel.

• Millions of people struggle to farm in its poor soil

Deforestation

• Deforestation is the destruction of trees and other vegetation.

• Animals have been allowed to graze too heavily in an area and strip all vegetation from the soil.

• People who need fuel or who hope to be able to clear new farmland cut down the trees that help hold the soil in place.

Droughts

• Droughts are periods of little rainfall that have hurt the Sahel.

• People who live in these areas often face starvation and poverty.

Desertification

• The Sahel is one part of Africa that is experiencing severe problems with desertification, the process of the desert expanding into areas that had formerly been farmland.

• The winds coming from the Sahara gradually blow the dry topsoil away leaving a barren and rocky land.

• As land is overused, the soil becomes poor and powdery.

Desertification cont’d• As the desert expands, people are less able to grow

enough food to feed them.• People living in areas going through desertification

face hunger and hardship.• In the Sahel, however, a majority of the

desertification is the result of the actions of people rather than climate.

• Land is being cleared for farming and trees and shrubs are being cut down for firewood.

Closing: Exit ticket- students will answer the essential question

EQ: How do poor soil and deforestation distress Sub-Saharan

Africa?