The global explorers club

South Africa Unit Study

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.

Hands-On Geography and Cultural Activities for Kids

Our South Africa unit study is designed for both homeschool families and classroom educators. Whether you’re supplementing your social studies curriculum or building a full geography unit, this resource invites students to discover a world of learning through a variety of stories, lessons, and hands-on activities.

$7.00

How This Unit Study Works

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 in the South Africa Unit Study

What you get

With your purchase


Explore South Africa through geography, literature, science, art, and hands-on learning activities with our ready-to-use printables and an optional digital planning tool.

  • 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.
discover a world of adventure

Bonus Printables & Planning Tools

Along with your core activities, you’ll receive a collection of extras to support flexible learning, including our South Africa unit study overview sheet, a country-specific Global Explorers cookbook page, our Discover South Africa: Bingo Challenge activity, and much more. You’ll also get access to our optional Notion planning tool to help keep your lessons organized and easy to navigate.

want to explore more of africa?

Unlock all 16 country unit studies, along with exclusive bonus resources like 3-part map cards, Market Math activities, and Infinity Street place value task cards in our complete Africa Continent Bundle.

who we are

At the Global Explorers Club, we believe in an education that respects each child’s unique personhood, fosters a love of learning, and embraces the diversity of the world. Our unit studies are designed with flexibility and freedom in mind, allowing your family to explore each topic at your own pace and according to your interests. Whether you’re completing every activity or selecting just a few, the goal is to inspire a sense of wonder and connection to the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our South Africa unit study is best suited for ages 6–12, but activities can easily be adapted for younger or older learners.

The duration is flexible and depends on how deeply you want to explore each topic. On average, you might spend 2-4 weeks on this unit.

You’ll receive PDF files for easy printing, plus an optional Notion database for digital planning.

Subjects covered include geography, social studies, language arts and literature, science, creative arts, cooking and culture, and character education.

Yes! This resource is ideal for homeschool and classroom use. Many teachers use it as part of world geography, social studies, or cultural enrichment.

Yes, the unit study includes a curated list of books, websites, and extension ideas to support continued learning and exploration.

Grab Your Passport to South Africa and Start Your Adventure Today

The Global Explorers Club's Africa unit study, a secular geography homeschool curriculum featuring Notion planning tool

Make the Most of Your Africa Unit Study

Ready to dive in but not sure where to begin?

Our Africa Quick Start Guide walks you through how to plan your week, use the printable resources and Notion planner, and adapt the lessons to your schedule. Whether you’re learning about South Africa over a few days or stretching it into a full unit, this guide will help you make the most of your time together.

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Africa Unit Study
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South America Unit Study
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Begin making memories with the Global Explorers Club!

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The global explorers club

Mali Unit Study

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

Students will learn about the legendary Mansa Musa and the Empire of Mali, listen to traditional Malian music, create Bògòlanfini-inspired art, explore the Sahara Desert ecosystem, and play traditional West African strategy games like Awalé and Yoté.

Hands-On Geography and Cultural Activities for Kids

Our Mali unit study is designed for both homeschool families and classroom educators. Whether you’re supplementing your social studies curriculum or building a full geography unit, this resource invites students to discover a world of learning through a variety of stories, lessons, and hands-on activities.

$7.00

buy now

What’s Included in the Mali Unit Study

What you get

With your purchase


Explore Mali through geography, literature, science, art, and hands-on learning activities with our ready-to-use printables and an optional digital planning tool.

  • Mali Notebooking Page: Students record important facts, color the national flag, document their favorite discoveries, and draw scenes from Mali’s geography, culture, plants, and wildlife.
  • Mali 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 Mansa Musa in P. James Oliver’s book Mansa Musa and The Empire of Mali: A True Story of Gold and Greatness from Africa.
  • The Writing Revolution Resources: Build writing skills with sentence-based exercises that connect directly to what students are learning about Mali.
  • Ecosystem of the Sahara Desert: Students will explore how plants and animals are specially adapted to survive in desert environments.
  • Musical Explorers: Learn about traditional West African rhythms, instruments, and music with guided listening activities.
  • Copywork: Explore proverbs from Africa while strengthening handwriting and comprehension skills.
  • Creative Arts: Create Bògòlanfini-inspired artwork while learning about its cultural significance.
  • Global Games: Play Awalé and Yoté, two traditional West African strategy games that build critical thinking skills.
discover a world of adventure

Bonus Printables & Planning Tools

Along with your core activities, you’ll receive a collection of extras to support flexible learning, including our Mali unit study overview sheet, a country-specific Global Explorers cookbook page, our Discover Mali: Bingo Challenge activity, and much more. You’ll also get access to our optional Notion planning tool to help keep your lessons organized and easy to navigate.

want to explore more of africa?

Unlock all 16 country unit studies, along with exclusive bonus resources like 3-part map cards, Market Math activities, and Infinity Street place value task cards in our complete Africa Continent Bundle.

who we are

At the Global Explorers Club, we believe in an education that respects each child’s unique personhood, fosters a love of learning, and embraces the diversity of the world. Our unit studies are designed with flexibility and freedom in mind, allowing your family to explore each topic at your own pace and according to your interests. Whether you’re completing every activity or selecting just a few, the goal is to inspire a sense of wonder and connection to the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Mali unit study is best suited for ages 6–12, but activities can easily be adapted for younger or older learners.

The duration is flexible and depends on how deeply you want to explore each topic. On average, you might spend 2-4 weeks on this unit.

You’ll receive PDF files for easy printing, plus an optional Notion database for digital planning.

Subjects covered include geography, social studies, language arts and literature, science, creative arts, cooking and culture, and character education.

Yes! This resource is ideal for homeschool and classroom use. Many teachers use it as part of world geography, social studies, or cultural enrichment.

Yes, the unit study includes a curated list of books, websites, and extension ideas to support continued learning and exploration.

Grab Your Passport to Mali and Start Your Adventure Today

buy now
The Global Explorers Club's Africa unit study, a secular geography homeschool curriculum featuring Notion planning tool

Make the Most of Your Africa Unit Study

Ready to dive in but not sure where to begin?

Our Africa Quick Start Guide walks you through how to plan your week, use the printable resources and Notion planner, and adapt the lessons to your schedule. Whether you’re learning about Mali over a few days or stretching it into a full unit, this guide will help you make the most of your time together.

coming soon
Africa Unit Study
Discover South America: A Comprehensive Unit Study
South America Unit Study
Explore a world of learning

Begin making memories with the Global Explorers Club!

Discover North America: A Comprehensive Unit Study
North America Unit Study
Asia Unit Study
Europe Unit Study