Class Instructions - DRC

Be sure to check out the info on the last couple of posts!

Today you are going to spotlight the Democratic Republic of the Congo - I'm not around so follow the instructions below!

The colonial Congo gained independence form Belgium in 1960, but has since struggled with shifting power, resource extraction, and massive conflict between foreign armies in a civil war that continues to affect the lives of the entire nation. It is home to one of the world's richest deposits of natural resources, but also to 70 million of its poorest people.

First, fill out the white sheet - Country Comparison Factsheet on the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Use the Internet to help fill out the chart.

As you answer this sheet, make notes of interesting or surprising figures and facts. When you are finished the assignment, work with others and share the information you have found.

On the second page of the handout is a KWL Chart - Complete Column 1: What do I know about the Democratic Republic of Congo? Then complete Column 2: What would I like to know about the DRC? (For this question, think about how the DRC might be different than other African countries or perhaps how the DRC might be connected to our lives here in Canada).

You will go back to this assignment throughout our study of the DRC.

Next, locate the DRC on the map as well as neighboring countries (Angola, Congo, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia). What do you notice about the Congo?

Finally, working in small groups - find the answer to the following questions and then discuss them in your small groups.
1. Why are foreign nations attracted to the Congo?
2. Have the ruling powers or the government of the Congo protected and provided for its people? Explain how you know.
3. Does the history of the Congo remind you of other histories you have learned about?

FOR HOMEWORK - Read the YELLOW sheet on Avatar and the Congo. This article was written by our guest speaker next week! It is important that you read this for Wednesday!

Have a great day guys!