Share The Wealth:  Mansa Musa’s Legacy

In this lesson, students learn about the way trade affects the spread of religion by studying the contributions of Mansa Musa to the culture of West Africa. Students then examine the empire that Mansa Musa led by viewing images related to Mansa Musa’s contributions, viewing a video, and reading an article about Mansa Musa. In an extension of learning, students learn about the annual re-plastering of the Grand Mosque and examine how it reflects Mansa Musa’s impact in West Africa.

Grade(s) Subject Time Frame Duration Course Modality
9th - 12th Social Studies 90 Minutes 1 - 2 Class Periods World History

Face-to-Face

Standards

WH.1.4 Evaluate the economic, political, and cultural impact of interregional trade networks.

Essential Question

How does trade contribute to the spread of religion?

5E Snapshot:

1. Engage

Students read an article about the richest people in history.

2. Explore

Students view photographs related to the Mali Empire to draw inferences about Mansa Musa.

3. Explain

Students watch a video and read an article about Mansa Musa, summarizing both on a Paired Text H-Chart.

4. Extend

Students reflect on the causes of the revolution by participating in a discussion.

5. Evaluate

Students respond to a reflection question about Mansa Musa’s legacy.

Facilitator's Checklist