Tanzania Standard 7/Form 1 Curriculum - History

Standard 7 (Social Studies)

The Standard 7 Social Studies curriculum in Tanzania includes history topics within its broader framework. The focus is on developing historical thinking skills within the context of social studies. Key topics covered include:

• Conserving the environment: Students learn about the importance of environmental conservation and its connection to historical events and societal development. They analyze the components of their school environment and participate in cleaning activities, connecting their actions to broader environmental protection efforts. They also learn about planting and maintaining trees, grass, and flowers, emphasizing practical application of environmental knowledge.
• Applying knowledge of weather conditions in daily activities: This section focuses on practical applications of weather knowledge. Students define "temperature" and identify ways to protect themselves from extreme weather conditions. They also learn about changes in weather conditions and their impact on daily life.
• Promoting Tanzanian culture: Students explore Tanzanian culture through greetings, dances, and songs of different ethnic groups. They also learn about family structures and relationships within their communities.
• Honoring our heroes in the society: This section introduces students to important figures in Tanzanian history. Students learn about leaders of the Tanzanian government since independence and their contributions.
• Keeping records of historical events: Students learn about different events that occur in society and develop an understanding of how historical records are kept.
• Using maps in different environments: Students learn to identify real things in the classroom and draw maps of different things in the school.
• Recognizing the solar system: Students describe the components of the solar system.
• Appreciating and protecting natural resources: Students describe resources owned by a family and a school, recognizing their importance.
• Recognizing production activities in our society: Students analyze production activities within a family context and assess the role of each family member in these activities.
• Using entrepreneurial skills in doing social activities: Students assess economic activities in their surroundings and analyze their importance in society.

Form I History

The Form I History curriculum delves deeper into historical concepts and analysis. It covers a wider range of topics, including:

• Introduction to History: Students learn about the concept of history, historical sources, and methods of historical inquiry.
• Theories of Human Origin: Students explore different theories about the origin of human beings and the stages of human evolution, including their technological advancements.
• Pre-Colonial Africa: This section covers the economic, political, social, and technological development of pre-colonial African societies. Students learn about different modes of production, economic activities, social-political organizations, and education systems.
• Interactions within Africa and beyond: Students examine interactions among African societies during the pre-colonial era, as well as early contacts between African societies and the Middle East, Far East, and Europe. This includes the origin, development, and effects of the slave trade.

Form II History

• Pre-colonial Interactions: Students further explore pre-colonial interactions, focusing on the societies of the Indian Ocean Islands and different regions of Africa. They analyze the factors that facilitated these interactions and their consequences.
• Early Contacts with Europe: This section examines the contacts between African societies and European powers (Portuguese, French, Dutch, and British) from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Students analyze the factors that facilitated these contacts and their effects.
• The Slave Trade: Students delve deeper into the slave trade, examining its origins, development, and effects on African societies.

This structure provides a comprehensive overview of the Tanzania Standard 7/Form 1 History curriculum, covering the key topics and skills emphasized at each level.