The impact of resource exploitation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the environmental, social and economic impacts of resource exploitation in the DRC.
Key learning points
- Mining and logging have led to deforestation and environmental destruction.
- Many workers, including children, face unsafe conditions in mines.
- The wealth from natural resources does not benefit most people in the DRC.
- Resource exploitation has fueled conflict and corruption.
Keywords
Natural resources - things that come from Earth without human influence and can be used for human needs
Exploitation - using something or someone for personal benefit
Deforestation - the complete removal of trees for any reason
Logging - cutting down trees as a product for economic gain
Corruption - dishonest behaviour by people in a position of power for personal gain
Common misconception
That deforestation and logging are the same thing.
Logging is the use of trees as a natural resource for their wood and can happen legally or illegaly. Deforestation is the cutting down of trees for many reasons, often to make space for other activities such as mining, road building or farming.
Teacher tip
In the UK, the minimum age to work is 13. Ask the class if anybody has a job yet, for example they may do a paper round. How do they balance that with their school work, do they find it difficult? Ask those who do not have a job if they would like one, when do they think will start working, why?
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which continent is the DRC located in?
Q2.Match the term to its correct definition:
A dense forest with high rainfall and warmth
Digging into the ground for natural resources
Absorbs and stores carbon dioxide
Q3.What is an example of a natural resource found in the DRC?
Q4.Which of the following is true about the Congo rainforest?
Q5.Which major river flows through the DRC?
Q6.What impact has colonial history had on the DRC today?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What are natural resources?
Q2.What does exploitation mean?
Q3.Which of these best describes deforestation?
Q4.Logging is different from because logging usually involves cutting trees for profit, while the other removes trees entirely.
To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: The impact of resource exploitation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: The impact of resource exploitation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 geography lessons from the The Democratic Republic of the Congo: What are its opportunities and challenges? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.