QUESTION 1
1. Design a lesson activity for Grade 8 Social Sciences (either History or Geography) that
demonstrates effective integration of teaching strategies, learning support materials (LTSMs),
and ICTs in a specific South African school context.
Grade 8 Social Sciences Lesson Activity: The Impact of the Mineral Revolution on South
African Settlement Patterns
A) Lesson Topics and CAPS Reference
History Topic: The Mineral Revolution in South Africa – This topic is part of the Grade 8
History curriculum in Term 2. It focuses on the discovery of diamonds and gold and its
socio-economic and political consequences. (Department Of Basic Education, Republic Of
South Africa, 2011:16)
Geography Topic: Settlements (with a focus on South Africa) – This topic appears in Term 3
of the Grade 8 Geography curriculum. It explores types of settlements and the factors
influencing their development and change. (Department Of Basic Education, Republic Of
South Africa, 2011:25)
Integration: The History topic focuses on the causes and consequences of the Mineral
Revolution, while the Geography topic examines the spatial patterns of settlements. Integrating
these allows learners to understand how historical events, such as the discovery of minerals, led
to significant changes in settlement patterns, urbanisation, and population movements. Learners
see how history shapes geography, reinforcing interconnected thinking.
B) Context Description of School
This lesson is designed for a Grade 8 class in a peri-urban public school in Gauteng. The school
serves a diverse learner population, including students from informal settlements and nearby suburbs.
While the school has a functioning computer lab with internet access, the number of devices is
limited, necessitating group work. Learners speak a variety of home languages, though English is the
language of teaching and learning. Resource access varies, but inclusive teaching practices are a
priority at the school.