In the Footsteps
of Dr. Livingstone

Overview of Video and Guide
Dr. David Livingstone made his famous expeditions into the heart of the African continent more than 100 years ago. His journals, with their observations of the beauty and richness of the dark jungles and remote villages, are credited with the opening up and the settling of the vast, uncharted African territory. In the Footsteps of Dr. Livingstone traces the many changes in Africa throughout the past century- including European colonization and the scourge of slavery- as Dr. Livingstone's great-grandson, Dr. David Livingstone Wilson, recreates the historic journey in search of the source of the Nile River.

Among the many issues facing today's Africa are overpopulation, poverty, and deforestation as more and more people are trying to scrape a sustenance out of less and less. Land has been set aside for conservation efforts, and although it has helped, it is not nearly enough. Where the first expedition was characterized by endless big game sightings, Dr. David Livingstone Wilson and the New Explorers saw animals only in wildlife preserves. Indeed, they even confronted groups of poachers tampering with water holes to get at the animals. Family life in Africa, and the passing along of the African culture- its music, stories, and ethics- are in jeopardy as well, as generation after generation is affected by AIDS and related viruses. What will the Africa of the future be like? No one can tell. Maybe you will be the next explorer to seek the answer to that question.

Journey through this wonderful continent to see the natural beauty of the land, the challenges of the past and the present, and the strong, welcoming people which make Africa so special. Join us as we travel "In the Footsteps of Dr. Livingstone."

The goals of the Academy's program are to:

· give students an increased awareness and sensitivity to environmental issues.
· show students opportunities for them to take action to preserve our natural resources.
· illustrate the importance of cooperation among individuals, organizations, and nations.
· explore career opportunities in science-related fields.

Table of Contents

Introducing the Activity to Your Students: Using the In the Footsteps of Dr. Livingstone Video

Sample Discovery Activity: Blades of Life

Correlation of the Sample Activity with Benchmarks

Correlation of the Sample Activity with Chicago Public School Outcomes

Correlation of the Sample Activity with National Geography Standards

Sample Parent Letter

Glossary

Description of the Unabridged Teacher's Guide

The Chicago Academy of Sciences Program and Teacher's Guide
was designed and written by:

Chervonne Johnson, Student, Whitney Young Magnet High School
Keisha Johnson, Student, Whitney Young Magnet High School
Myrtie Bryan, Teacher, Ruggles School
Larry Perez, Teacher, Amundsen High School
Ken Rose, Explorer Partner, The Chicago Academy of Sciences
Nancy Samra, Teacher, Hibbard School
Margaret Sommer, Teacher, Brown School
Connie Taylor, Teacher, Bethel Christian School
DeSonta Tillman, Student, Hyde Park Career Academy/Northern Illinois University

Special thanks to:

Eli Hoenai
Amber Johnson
Sanjay Rhagu
Laura Selicaro
Larry Sommer

© 1995 The Chicago Academy of Sciences
2060 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614

This abridged guide was developed from a more comprehensive guide created by a writing team of teachers, educational staff of the host Science Explorer Partner, and cooperating scientists. The comprehensive guide contains classroom activities, field trips, and career information to encourage students to consider science careers and have fun in science. The comprehensive guides were developed with the support of the Office of Science Education Programs of the U.S. Department of Energy.

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