The Best South Sudan Unit Study for Your Homeschool

South Sudan is the newest country in the world, gaining its independence on July 9, 2011. This makes it an exciting country to study in your homeschool and why I’m so excited about this South Sudan Unit Study. And, of course, a study of Africa wouldn’t be complete without a unit study on South Sudan.

My favorite way to teach geography in my homeschool is through a literature-based, STEAM-supported method. What does this mean? It means I combine great literature about the area along with science, technology, engineering, art, and math projects.

When we study geography, I want my children to see more than a place on a map. More than historical facts. And I want their experience to move beyond food. Because isn’t that the norm when studying geography? We locate a country, learn a few facts, and then search for a local recipe?

When you take a literature-based and STEAM-supported approach to geography, you move your students beyond the surface. They begin to see the people, to develop empathy through stories of a land foreign to them. And then they dig deeper with STEAM projects. STEAM projects open their eyes and minds to begin thinking about solutions to problems they were previously unaware of. With the added benefit of making your geography studies hands-on.

How to Use the Lesson Plans for My South Sudan Unit Study

This unit study on South Sudan is all-inclusive, covering multiple subjects.

Students will begin with geography. There is map work and a worksheet for them to fill in facts about South Sudan.

From there, they will move to a brief overview of the history of South Sudan. The history and geography will provide the historical context for the literature. As they read, I suggest they locate the cities mentioned in the books to get a clearer picture of where they are reading about.

Once the geography and history sections have been completed students should begin with the readings. The books are fairly short and the order you read them is up to you.

Vocabulary is completed as students read, while the writing prompts are done after. If desired, the writing prompts can be done as narration or discussion.

There is a small devotional with scriptures and reflective questions. The scripture can be used as copywork or memorized also.

The fine arts project and STEM project can be done at any time.

At the end I offer suggestions for service opportunities and field trips to extend your experience.

Kids Books Set in South Sudan Needed for the Unit Study

I use three books in the lessons about South Sudan. The first two, A Long Walk to Water and Year of No Rain, take place in South Sudan. The third book, You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Clean Water, focuses on one of the main problems faced by South Sudanese. It goes with the STEM project.

In addition to these books, I recommend eight other books in the unit study to expand your learning.

The Best Ages for the Unit Study on South Sudan

This unit study on South Sudan is the best fit for upper elementary and middle school students.

Adapting the Lesson Plans for Early Elementary

Younger students may not be ready for the content in the books; however, in the recommended book section, I do give two alternatives that would be more appropriate for younger learners. The rest of the material could then be easily adapted. For the STEM project, I would recommend doing the project without the math component or simplifying it to use single-digit addition.

Adapting the Lesson Plans for High School

I have no problem with my high school student read smaller chapter books when they are of good quality. Often this allows us to move through more material. High school students would be able to finish each book in a sitting. To adapt for high school, include a research project or paper and having them put together a business plan for the STEM project.

What Can be Learned from Discovering Geography through Literature: A South Sudan Unit Study?

Through the lessons on South Sudan, students will learn about the basic geography, practice mapping skills, and read a brief history of how South Sudan became its own country. They will learn about the Lost Boys of Sudan and some of the trials young boys faced prior to South Sudan gaining its independence and how access to clean water remains an existing problem today.

The fine arts project will expose them to culture and what many African kids do for fun. It also engages counting and strategy skills.

Through the STEM project, students gain a deeper understanding of the problem facing many in South Sudan and other countries of finding access to clean water. Students will learn about budgeting, and practice planning and design skills.

Discovering Geography through Literature: A South Sudan Unit Study makes the perfect addition to a study on Africa and its countries or as a stand-alone to learn about the world’s newest country. I hope you enjoy it!

Free World Traveler Passport to Complement Your Geography Studies

As you learn about different countries, like South Sudan, in your geography studies, keep track of them using this free printable World Traveler Passport.