Songhai, Askia Muhammad & Timbuktu

Students investigate how Askia Muhammad used Islamic law and learning to strengthen the Songhai Empire, and how cities like Timbuktu became centers of scholarship as valuable as gold.

A

Framework Mapping

Alignment

Click a phase below to see how this lesson expresses each framework.

ADTL

ADTL Expression

Students are oriented into the design challenge...

AVID

WICOR Expression

Students record observations and capture evidence...

Cognia

Cognia Expression

Learners make active choices and track progress...

A

Warm-Up: A City of Books & Learning

10 XP · Knowledge
Warm-Up XP Breakdown
SP (Skill Points)0
CP (Challenge Points)10
This quick-write rewards observation and prediction. All 10 XP are Challenge Points.

Quick-write and share that connects modern learning centers to Timbuktu.

Before exploring the rise of Songhai, use headings and images to infer why Timbuktu became famous.

Three Clues About Timbuktu
▸
Prediction About Songhai
▸
Your combined warm-up response will appear here.
A

Activity 1: Timbuktu – Books as Valuable as Gold

20 XP · Knowledge
Activity 1 XP Breakdown
SP (Skill Points)10
CP (Challenge Points)10
Skill Points reward accurate details. Challenge Points reward clear synthesis of how learning created value.

Students explain why Timbuktu became a center for Islamic learning and trade.

Student Instructions
  • Re-read the parts of Issue 09 describing Timbuktu’s scholars and books.
  • Use the sentence builder to write a 4-sentence explanation.
  • Connect location, learning, books, and impact.
4-Sentence Explanation Builder
S1 – Location & Setting
▸
S2 – Learning & Religion
▸
S3 – Books & Trade
▸
S4 – Impact on Songhai
▸
A

Paragraph Builder – Timbuktu’s Importance

This card combines your four sentences into one paragraph.

Color-Coded Paragraph View
Your color-coded paragraph will appear here.
Editable Paragraph
A

Activity 2: Askia Muhammad & Islamic Law

20 XP · Skills
Activity 2 XP Breakdown
SP (Skill Points)10
CP (Challenge Points)10
SP rewards clear claims + evidence; CP rewards weaving concepts of law, education, and daily life.

Short written analysis connecting Askia Muhammad’s reforms to stability and growth.

Student Info
Student Name
Student Email
Class Period
Introduction
▸
Law & Government
▸
Education & Cities
▸
Connection to Images
▸
Conclusion
▸
Your combined analysis will appear here.
A

Student Submission Tracker

Student Info
Not Yet
Name, email, and period entered.
Generated
Not Yet
Warm-Up, Activity, and Lab compiled.
Saved
Not Yet
Saved to device (local backup).
PDF Backup
Not Yet
Downloaded/printed a PDF copy.
Tip: Save frequently. PDFs are your “hard backup” if a page reloads or a device crashes.
Navigation
Studio Aletheia The Nexus Back Next
↑Back to Top
Help
✕
Hint
Click a Help pill to see a hint here.