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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Royal Art of Benin

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate how the king of Benin used brass plaques to project an image of power to the people of Benin. They locate Benin on a map, explore various websites, and create a paper wall plaque that conveys symbols of power.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Artist Unknown

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students examine how Lennie Gardner's process of discovery about his bronze mask parallels a personal discovery process. They receive an introduction to the art, history, and religion of Benin
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Handout
Association of Religion Data Archives

Association of Religion Data Archives: National Profiles: Benin

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about religion in Benin, in this Association of Religion Data Archives country profile, which includes general facts, history, and religious data.
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Website
University of Iowa

University of Iowa: Arts and Life in Africa: People Resources

For Students 9th - 10th
Essential information on African countries and African peoples assembled by the University of Iowa.
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Handout
World Health Organization

World Health Organization: Benin

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about health in Benin via the World Health Organization's profile page on the country, which includes demographic information about core health indicators as well as general information.
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Website
BBC

Bbc: Benin Profile

For Students 9th - 10th
This profile provides a concise overview of Benin's history, culture, and economy in addition to information concerning Benin's leaders and media. Links to related articles are also featured.
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Website
Digital History

Digital History: The Black Man's African Past [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
Read the narrative of Oladuah Equiano (or Gustavas Vassa) who described the culture of Benin as he was growing up in mid-18th century. On this site there is also a brief, general history of Africa at this time. [pdf]
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Handout
University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania: Republic of Benin

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides a country map, travel advisories, link to Benin embassy in U.S.,facts about the Republic of Benin, and more.
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Handout
Encyclopedia of Earth

Encyclopedia of Earth: Benin

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of Benin, including its geography, natural resources, history, government, economy, and much more. Maps and images are also included, along with sources used to create the entry.
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Handout
PBS

Pbs: Hopes on the Horizon Benin

For Students 9th - 10th
A companion website to a documentary on the rise of pro-democracy movements in six African countries during the 1990s.
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Website
Other

Cocc: African Slave Trade and European Imperialism

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from the COCC provides a very large and informative website providing a historical summary plus links to many aspects of the slave trade. Detailed timeline describes the development of African civilizations from the 15th...
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Handout
Travel Document Systems

Tds: Benin: Geography

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the geography, climate, and wildlife of Benin in this article with information from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
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Handout
Travel Document Systems

Tds: Benin: People

For Students 9th - 10th
An interesting account of the many ethnic groups in Benin as well as religions. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
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Handout
Travel Document Systems

Tds: Benin: Government

For Students 9th - 10th
Don't miss the chart that shows the many political parties that operate in the small country of Benin. Read about its government and its recent elections. Information is from the CIA World Fact Book and the U.S. State Dept. Background...
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Handout
Travel Document Systems

Tds: Benin: History

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief discussion of Benin's early history. A majority of the information is on its recent history since 1972, including the most recent elections in 2007. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
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Website
Other

Accueil: Izf

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a resource for Francophone African students where they can read about their countries in French. It contains links to sites of interest to all French students. Just click on the name of the country at the top of the page.
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Website
Nations Online Project

Nations Online: Benin

For Students 9th - 10th
Features a colorful destination guide to Benin which is located in Western Africa. Provides background details, a country profile, and numerous links to comprehensive information on the nation's culture, history, geography, economy,...
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Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Beninese

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Beninese. Gives basic facts about location, language, folklore, foods, social customs, family life, education, religion, pastimes, societal challenges, etc. (Note:...
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Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Songhay

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Songhay in the Sahel region of Africa. Gives basic facts about location, language, folklore, foods, social customs, family life, education, religion, pastimes, societal...
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Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Yoruba

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Yoruba of West Africa. Gives basic facts about location, language, folklore, foods, social customs, family life, education, religion, pastimes, societal challenges,...
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Handout
Central Intelligence Agency

Cia: World Factbook: Benin

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a great resource for general information on Benin. It includes geography, population, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues.
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Activity
Other

World Socialist Web Site: A Journey Through Africa's Civilizations

For Students 9th - 10th
From the World Socialist Web Site, this is a review of Harvard professor Henry Gates' book, "Wonders of the African World." It includes interesting details of Gates' attempts to piece together a view of precolonial African history. (4...
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Handout
Travel Document Systems

Tds: Benin: Economy

For Students 9th - 10th
A look at the economy of Benin and its trading partners. See how the World Bank is helping Benin develop a more robust economy. Information from the CIA World Fact Book.
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Handout
Michigan State University

Michigan State University: Global Edge: Benin: Introduction

For Students 9th - 10th
Complete guide to the statistics, history, economy, culture, politics, and demographics for the West African country of Benin.