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Subject: History
Semester: 1
Period: 2
Week: 7
School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: History
Grade Level: Grade 10
Date: Week 7
Lesson Duration: 4 periods × 45 minutes
Week & Term: Week 7, Period 2
Topic: Introduction to African History
Sub-topic: King Solomon and Queen Sheba
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain the relationship between King Solomon and Queen Sheba.
- Identify the historical and biblical connections between Ethiopia and Israel.
- Discuss the political, religious, and cultural impact of Queen Sheba’s visit to King Solomon.
Previous Knowledge
Students already know:
- Africa had ancient civilizations with political and cultural systems.
- Ethiopia is an ancient African kingdom linked to biblical traditions.
Instructional Materials
Textbook: History textbook on African civilizations
Teaching aids: Bible/Qur’an excerpts, map showing Ethiopia and Israel, chart of Solomonic Dynasty, pictures of Axumite artifacts
Students' notebooks and writing materials
Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Activity:
The teacher will ask the class:
- Who was King Solomon, and why is he famous?
- Have you heard of the Queen of Sheba? What do you know about her?
- Why would a powerful queen visit another kingdom?
The teacher will record their responses on the board.
Teacher’s Role:
Guide a short brainstorming session, correct misconceptions, and connect learners’ ideas to Ethiopian history.
Learner’s Role:
- Share existing knowledge about King Solomon, Queen Sheba, and Ethiopia.
- Respond verbally and participate in the discussion.
B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)
Time: 25–30 minutes
Teacher’s Role:
- Explain the historical and biblical background of King Solomon and Queen Sheba.
- Present the story of their meeting and the birth of Menelik I.
- Show maps and artifacts to support understanding.
Learners’ Activities (Expanded):
- Role-play dialogue between King Solomon and Queen Sheba.
- In groups of 4, draw a timeline: Solomon → Sheba → Menelik I → Solomonic Dynasty.
- Discuss the significance of Ethiopia tracing its monarchy to Solomon and Sheba.
Assessment Checks:
- Who was Queen Sheba according to Ethiopian tradition?
- What is the Kebra Nagast, and why is it important?
- Mention two impacts of Solomon and Sheba on Ethiopian civilization.
Notes (Expanded & Detailed):
- King Solomon: Wise king of Israel (~970–931 BC).
- Queen of Sheba (Makeda): Visited Solomon to test his wisdom; bore Menelik I.
- Menelik I: First emperor of the Solomonic Dynasty in Ethiopia.
- Significance: Political legitimacy, religious identity (Judaism/Christianity), and cultural pride.
- Sources: Kebra Nagast manuscript, Ethiopian Orthodox traditions, Axumite archaeological artifacts.
C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary:
The teacher will ask the students to recall:
- Who was King Solomon?
- Who was Queen Sheba and her son Menelik I?
- Why is the Solomonic Dynasty important in Ethiopian history?
Evaluation Method (Expanded):
- Exit slip/quiz: Students will write short answers to:
- State the relationship between Solomon and Sheba.
- Name the first Ethiopian emperor from this lineage.
- Mention one political, one religious, and one cultural impact of this story.
- Teacher will collect and quickly review for understanding.
- Provide oral feedback before class ends.
Assignment (Expanded):
- Write a one-page essay on the importance of Queen Sheba’s visit to King Solomon in Ethiopian history.
- Draw and label a family tree linking Solomon, Sheba, and Menelik I.
Follow-up Activity:
- Prepare for next lesson: Contributions of Ethiopia to African history.
Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
- Struggling Learners: Provide a simplified timeline and family tree chart.
- Advanced Learners: Research the Solomonic Dynasty and present a short oral report.
- Students with Disabilities: Allow oral responses or drawings instead of written tasks.
Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
- What worked well? ________________________________________
- What needs improvement? __________________________________
- Students’ engagement level: ☐ High ☐ Medium ☐ Low
- Next steps: Reinforce the link between Ethiopian history and African civilization in Week 8.