South Africa Unit Study | Geography Curriculum & Hands-On Activities for Kids

Discover South Africa with our hands-on, literature-based unit study that includes lessons in geography, language arts, science, music, math, and more.

Learn about Nelson Mandela, read Desmond and the Very Mean Word and Journey to Jo’burg, and listen to several traditional folktales. Students will study the science of light and the African savanna ecosystem, explore Zulu music and the work of Miriam Makeba, create an Ubuntu-inspired collage, bake mealie meal bread, and play the traditional strategy game Morabaraba.

✅ What You're Purchasing:

Global Explorers unit studies are literature-based frameworks built around curated books, mapwork, journaling, and cultural activities. Books and some media resources are referenced but not included. Each study provides structured lesson plans and ready-to-use printables, guiding families as they gather materials and explore together.

✅ What's Included:

• South Africa Notebooking Page: Students record important facts, color the national flag, document their favorite discoveries, and draw scenes from South Africa’s geography, culture, plants, and wildlife.
• South Africa Mapwork Activity: Students will locate major cities, geographical features, and cultural landmarks on an outline map and are encouraged to personalize their maps with illustrations, labels, and symbols that reflect what they’ve learned about the country.
• Literature Study: Explore the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela and read Desmond and the Very Mean Word or Journey to Jo’burg and discuss the themes of justice, kindness, and perseverance.
• The Writing Revolution Resources: Build writing skills with sentence-based exercises that connect directly to what students are learning about South Africa.
• Science Notebooking: Explore how light works and how it shapes the natural world.
• Musical Explorers: Learn about South African Zulu music with Bongi and Tshidi and explore the music of Miriam Makeba.
• Copywork: Explore proverbs from Africa while strengthening handwriting and comprehension skills.
• Creative Arts: Create an Ubuntu collage inspired by the South African philosophy of community and connection.
• Cooking Class: Learn how to bake mealie meal bread together.
• Global Games: Play Morabaraba, a traditional South African strategy game that encourages critical thinking.

✅ Bonus Materials:

• Printable Global Explorers Cookbook Page for South Africa
• Discover South Africa: Bingo Challenge activity sheet
• South Africa Unit Overview Sheet
• Access to our optional digital planning tool in Notion
• Plus, more than a dozen extra printable resources, such as book passports, food chain pyramid templates, and more!

Format: Printable PDF + Optional Digital Access

Best For: Homeschoolers, co-ops, enrichment, Montessori continent studies, and classroom geography units

Why Choose Global Explorers?

At the Global Explorers Club, we believe geography should feel like an adventure. Our flexible, secular unit studies are designed to spark curiosity, celebrate cultural diversity, and connect children to the world around them. Whether you use every activity or choose a few, our unit studies can be easily adapted for different learners and teaching styles.