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Teacher Directions

Place students in groups of four

Print out one simulation handout for each student
Each student must track the decisions of their caravan. The decisions made are final for the entire caravan!

The simulation requires spinners with numbers 1-4

Every group needs one
These can be made out of paper with a paperclip as the spinner
I have attached a blank spinner page to print out if needed

Give students 2-3 minutes at every scenario to allow for the group to discuss and debate the task at hand. After decisions are locked in and written down, I will then call on a group to explain their reasoning and logic.
Each time a caravan loses a square, remind the students to write the reason why inside the boxes.

This will create a story for the students to write about in the RAFT writing activity following the simulation.

Following the simulation, have students complete the RAFT writing activity to reflect on the struggles and challenges people faced crossing the Sahara.
Most of all, have fun! Go through the PowerPoint and even play it with co-workers or friends at home before you play in class with your students. Knowing what's coming next let’s you really sell it! I have one simulation like these per unit, check them out!

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Trans-Saharan Trade Simulation

Will Your Caravan Survive the Sahara?

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Between 800-1600, people traded between the Mediterranean countries of Europe and the empires of sub-Saharan Africa.

This series of trade routes is known as Trans-Saharan Trade.

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European economies were short of gold, but could supply salt.

West African Empires had plenty of gold, but were short of salt.

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You and your caravan will begin your journey in the town of Fez, north of the Sahara. Deep in the Sahara you will find salt.

You plan to trade this salt for gold in the wealthy city of Timbuktu in the Mali Empire. If you survive…

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The Sahara is rugged, vast, and dangerous.

Many traders and travelers perished making this journey. Will you?

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Health: All caravans start with a full health bar. If the squares fall to zer0, the caravan has endured too much damage and has perished in the desert.
Blocks of Salt: This represents the amount of salt your caravan is carrying. If the squares fall to zero, the caravan will have nothing to trade and must return back North. Your journey is over.
The Tombstone: Where you write your name if you unfortunately lose all of your health or blocks of salt. If either run out, your caravan has failed.

Health

Blocks

Of Salt

Health and Blocks of Salt

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Camel Caravan

Merchants, pilgrims, and travelers would journey together across the Sahara for mutual protection.
Each of you will be responsible during this journey in your particular expertise.

Get ready to select your roles…

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Caravan! Decide Your Roles…

Tracker – You are the expert on tracking animals and reading tracks.

Camel Herder – You are the expert in the knowledge and health of your camel caravan.

Merchant – You are the expert in money, communication, and trading supplies.

Explorer – You are the expert in navigation and survival in the desert.

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“The Ship of the Desert”

The journey across the Sahara could take months depending on conditions and weather.
Camels are amazing creatures and you will rely on yours for survival.
It’s time to bond with your camel before you begin your journey.
Think of a name for your camel and write it down on your GameBoard.

Your Personal Camel’s Name

________________________________

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The Journey Ahead

You will re-trace the route of the famous explorer Ibn Battuta in 1352.

Your story begins in Fez, Morocco.

The Altas Mountains await you as you head towards the remote desert city of Sijilmasa.

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Scenario #1�Atlas Mountains

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Scenario #1 – Atlas Mountains

Explorer!!! You make the final decision for your caravan.

The Atlas Mountains are actually a series of diverse terrain, climates, and wildlife with some of the highest mountains on the continent of Africa. You and your caravan are beginning to suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Also known as Altitude Sickness. You can’t think clearly, you lack energy, and you run the risk of a swollen brain, which can kill you.

What do you do?

Head Downhill

Stop and Wait Until You Feel Better

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Scenario #1 – Atlas Mountains

Head Downhill – We need oxygen to live, but the higher you go up, the less oxygen there is. The best cure for AMS is to quickly head back down to more oxygen.

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Scenario #1 – Atlas Mountains

Head Downhill – We need oxygen to live, but the higher you go up, the less oxygen there is. The best cure for AMS is to quickly head back down to more oxygen.

No Damage

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Scenario #1 – Atlas Mountains

Head Downhill – We need oxygen to live, but the higher you go up, the less oxygen there is. The best cure for AMS is to quickly head back down to more oxygen.

No Damage

Stop and Wait Until You Feel Better – This is very risky and could increase the intensity of the symptoms to a point where you would be unable to move.

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Scenario #1 – Atlas Mountains

Head Downhill – We need oxygen to live, but the higher you go up, the less oxygen there is. The best cure for AMS is to quickly head back down to more oxygen.

No Damage

Stop and Wait Until You Feel Better – This is very risky and could increase the intensity of the symptoms to a point where you would be unable to move.

Lose 1 Health Square

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Arrival in Sijilmasa

After one week through the Atlas Mountains you arrive in the remote desert city of Sijilmasa. The last piece of civilization before you embark for the next 25 days through the Sahara to Taghaza.

Here you will purchase your camels and decide what supplies you will bring…

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Supplies List

Merchant!!! Choose four supplies from this list and write them down. Your caravan may give you input but you make the final decision.

Qur’an

Necklace of Mercury

Head Covering

Dried Fruit

Materials to Start a Fire

Cloth Blanket

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Scenario #2�Camel Quiz

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Scenario #2 - Camel Quiz

Camel Herder! Everyone purchased their camels in Sijilmasa.

Let’s test your expertise!

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Scenario #2 - Camel Quiz

Write down the letter for the fact that is FALSE!

Camel Herder!!! You make the final decision for your caravan.

A = The hump is where the camel stores fat and water
B = Webbed feet to stop from sinking into the sand
C = Can shut their nostrils to keep out sand
D = Can go without water twice as long as a human
E = Eyelids open sideways to clear out dust

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Scenario #2 - Camel Quiz

Write down the letter for the fact that is FALSE!

Camel Herder!!! You make the final decision for your caravan.

A = The hump is where the camel stores fat and water
B = Webbed feet to stop from sinking into the sand
C = Can shut their nostrils to keep out sand
D = Can go without water twice as long as a human
E = Eyelids open sideways to clear out dust

TRUE

FALSE

TRUE

Correct Answer

No Squares Lost

Incorrect Answer

-1 Health Square

Your camel stepped on your foot in frustration with you…

Camels can go without water ten times as long as a human!!!

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To Taghaza!

The dangerous journey across the Sahara begins now.

Will your caravan survive the four week journey to the salt mines of Taghaza?

Let’s begin…

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On a Cold, Desert Night

Your first night out in the open desert, temperatures are hot during the day and cold at night. You need to start a fire…

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On a Cold, Desert Night

Your first night out in the open desert, temperatures are hot during the day and cold at night. You need to start a fire…

Lose 1 Health Square

Unless you have

Materials to Start a Fire

as an item!

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Scenario #3�Camping

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Scenario #3 – Camping

Explorer!!! You make the final decision for your caravan.

It’s your first night out in the open desert and you need to fuel your fire in the cold night.

What do you do?

Burn Palm Leaves
Burn Camel Dung
Burn Wood

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Scenario #3 – Camping

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Scenario #3 – Camping

Burn Palm Leaves – These burn very quickly and do not give off much heat.

- 1 Health Square

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Scenario #3 – Camping

Burn Palm Leaves – These burn very quickly and do not give off much heat.

- 1 Health Square

Burn Camel Dung – An excellent and abundant source of fuel which produces an odorless flame.

No Damage

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Scenario #3 – Camping

Burn Palm Leaves – These burn very quickly and do not give off much heat.

- 1 Health Square

Burn Camel Dung – An excellent and abundant source of fuel which produces an odorless flame.

No Damage

Burn Wood – Trees are hard to find in the open desert and take energy to cut.

-1 Health Square

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Sandstorm!!!

Spin to decide your fate!

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Sandstorm!!!

Spin to decide your fate!

#1 – You protected yourself by huddling up against your camel!

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Sandstorm!!!

Spin to decide your fate!

#1 – You protected yourself by huddling up against your camel!
#2 – The strong winds overpowered you!

Cross off 1 item from your list

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Sandstorm!!!

Spin to decide your fate!

#1 – You protected yourself by huddling up against your camel!
#2 – The strong winds overpowered you!

Cross off 1 item from your list

#3 – The cloud of dust caused destruction!

You lose 1 Health Square

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Sandstorm!!!

Spin to decide your fate!

#1 – You protected yourself by huddling up against your camel!
#2 – The strong winds overpowered you!

Cross off 1 item from your list

#3 – The cloud of dust caused destruction!

You lose 1 Health Square

#4 – Your explorer found a rock formation at the last second and everyone hid safely!

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Arrival in Taghaza

After 25 days through the vast Sahara, you arrive in the salt mining town of Taghaza. The houses are made of salt blocks and covered by camel skins.
Here you will load up your camels with salt before heading back into the open desert…

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Scenario #4�Hiring a Guide

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Scenario #4 – Hiring a Guide

Merchant!!! You make the final decision for your caravan.

The Tuareg are nomadic people who live in the Sahara region. They are known as the “Blue People” because the indigo dye they use stains their skin.

Will you hire one for the last stretch of your journey?

Hire a Tuareg Guide

Travel Without a Guide

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Scenario #4 – Hiring a Guide

Hire a Tuareg Guide – This is the safest decision you will ever make. Ibn Battuta’s guide was blind in one eye and diseased in the other but was an expert in the Sahara.

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Scenario #4 – Hiring a Guide

Hire a Tuareg Guide – This is the safest decision you will ever make. Ibn Battuta’s guide was blind in one eye and diseased in the other but was an expert in the Sahara.

Lose 1 Block of Salt

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Scenario #4 – Hiring a Guide

Hire a Tuareg Guide – This is the safest decision you will ever make. Ibn Battuta’s guide was blind in one eye and diseased in the other but was an expert in the Sahara.

Lose 1 Block of Salt

Travel Without a Guide – There is no visible road, the dunes move, and you expect to survive? This is a terrible choice and you will pay the price for this mistake.

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Scenario #4 – Hiring a Guide

Hire a Tuareg Guide – This is the safest decision you will ever make. Ibn Battuta’s guide was blind in one eye and diseased in the other but was an expert in the Sahara.

Lose 1 Block of Salt

Travel Without a Guide – There is no visible road, the dunes move, and you expect to survive? This is a terrible choice and you will pay the price for this mistake.

Lose 3 Blocks of Salt

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To Timbuktu!

With Taghaza behind you and a caravan full of salt. You are now on your way to Timbuktu! This is the toughest and hottest stretch of the journey with only a few places to rest.

Let’s begin…

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Truffle Shuffle

Ibn Battuta wrote about how plentiful truffles are out in the desert. However, they are swarmed with lice. Travelers would wear necklaces with mercury to kill them!

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Truffle Shuffle

Ibn Battuta wrote about how plentiful truffles are out in the desert. However, they are swarmed with lice. Travelers would wear necklaces with mercury to kill them!

Lose 1 Health Square

Unless you have a

Mercury Necklace

as an item!

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Thieves!!!

In the middle of the night, an item was stolen from your belongings. With so many strangers in your caravan, it’s hard to know who to trust.

Cross Off 1 Item From Your List

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Scenario #5�Tracking

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Scenario #5 – Tracking

Tracker!!! You make the final decision for your caravan.

Your group is in desperate need of water. You pass by and see three different creatures. These creatures don’t stray far from water.

Which one is the closest to a water source?

Mosquito
Frog
Bee

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Scenario #5 – Tracking

Mosquito – Within a half mile from water

Lose 1 Health Square

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Scenario #5 – Tracking

Mosquito – Within a half mile from water

Lose 1 Health Square

Frog – Extremely close to water

No Damage

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Scenario #5 – Tracking

Mosquito – Within a half mile from water

Lose 1 Health Square

Frog – Extremely close to water

No Damage

Bee – Within 2.5 miles from water

Lose 1 Health Square

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Arrival in Tisarahla

Your trusted Tuareg guide led you to the Oasis of Tisarahla with a small trading outpost.
Here you will re-fill your water supply, wash your clothes, and rest.

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Hiring Help

Caravans would hire a “takshif” to travel ahead of them to warn the city of their arrival. The “takshif” would meet your approaching caravan in the desert, bringing water and other supplies to you. You must pay the man for his service.

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Hiring Help

Caravans would hire a “takshif” to travel ahead of them to warn the city of their arrival. The “takshif” would meet your approaching caravan in the desert, bringing water and other supplies to you. You must pay the man for his service.

Lose 1 Block of Salt

Unless you have a

Cloth Blanket

to trade as payment instead.

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Dangers of the Desert!!!

Spin to decide your fate!

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Dangers of the Desert!!!

Spin to decide your fate!

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Dangers of the Desert!!!

Spin to decide your fate!

#1 – Heatstroke! Your body absorbed heat faster than it could get rid of it!

Lose 1 Health Square

(Unless you have a Head Covering)

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Dangers of the Desert!!!

Spin to decide your fate!

#1 – Heatstroke! Your body absorbed heat faster than it could get rid of it!

Lose 1 Health Square

(Unless you have a Head Covering)

#2 – Your caravan carefully listened to the takshif and followed all advice.

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Dangers of the Desert!!!

Spin to decide your fate!

#1 – Heatstroke! Your body absorbed heat faster than it could get rid of it!

Lose 1 Health Square

(Unless you have a Head Covering)

#2 – Your caravan carefully listened to the takshif and followed all advice.
#3 – Your caravan carefully listened to the takshif and followed all advice.

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Dangers of the Desert!!!

Spin to decide your fate!

#1 – Heatstroke! Your body absorbed heat faster than it could get rid of it!

Lose 1 Health Square

(Unless you have a Head Covering)

#2 – Your caravan carefully listened to the takshif and followed all advice.
#3 – Your caravan carefully listened to the takshif and followed all advice.

#4 – You forgot to shake your belongings in the morning and scorpions look for warmth in the cold desert night. A camel has been lost to their poisonous stingers.

Lose 1 Block of Salt

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Scenario #6�Wild Camels

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Scenario #6 – Wild Camel

Camel Herder! A herd of wild camels has been found.

Let’s see if you can tame one!

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Scenario #6 – Wild Camels

Write down the letter for the fact that is FALSE!

Camel Herder!!! You make the final decision for your caravan.

A = Run the camel until it’s exhausted
B = Avoid angry looking males
C = Use a trained camel to help
D = Bribe with food and saltlicks
E = “Koosh” train your camel to kneel on command

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Scenario #6 – Wild Camels

Write down the letter for the fact that is FALSE!

Camel Herder!!! You make the final decision for your caravan.

A = Run the camel until it’s exhausted
B = Avoid angry looking males
C = Use a trained camel to help
D = Bribe with food and saltlicks
E = “Koosh” train your camel to kneel on command

FALSE

TRUE

Correct Answer

No Squares Lost

Incorrect Answer

-1 Block of Salt

Your camel stepped on your foot in frustration with you…

Camels are easier to train when they are comfortable with you, your presence, and your touch. You want your camel to feel safe and calm around you.

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Scenario #7�Trusted Vision

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Scenario #7 – Trusted Vision

Explorer!!! You make the final decision for your caravan.

Your takshif has been sent ahead. After several days of traveling through the superheated desert, you think you see water in a different direction than the one you are heading. Your water supply is almost out.

What do you do?

Trust Your Vision

Stay on Track

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Scenario #7 – Trusted Vision

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Scenario #7 – Trusted Vision

Trust Your Vision – A mirage is an optical illusion, caused by hot air near the surface bending light from the sky. You think you see water, what you are really seeing is the sky!

Lose 2 Blocks of Salt

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Scenario #7 – Trusted Vision

Trust Your Vision – A mirage is an optical illusion, caused by hot air near the surface bending light from the sky. You think you see water, what you are really seeing is the sky!

Lose 2 Blocks of Salt

Stay on Track – Have faith in your trusted takshif!

No Damage

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Timbuktu!

Your trusted takshif found your caravan and brought you safely to entrance of the powerful and vibrant city of Timbuktu!

You’ve survived the trek!

The leaders of the Mali Empire provided a safe market for traders by protecting them with guards.

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Scenario #8�Tax Time

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Scenario #8 – Tax Time

Merchant!!! You make the final decision for your caravan.

You have reached the markets of the Mali Empire and are eager to trade your salt blocks for gold. As you approach the gates of Timbuktu, you are required to pay a tax to enter.

What do you do?

Pay in Salt

Pay in Dried Fruit

(Only if you have this as an item)

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Scenario #8 – Tax Time

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Scenario #8 – Tax Time

Pay in Salt – The Mali Empire protected it’s markets and the traders within by having large numbers of guards making sure all was in order. The Mali Empire was extremely wealthy by being a busy trading center.

Lose 1 Block of Salt

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Scenario #8 – Tax Time

Pay in Salt – The Mali Empire protected it’s markets and the traders within by having large numbers of guards making sure all was in order. The Mali Empire was extremely wealthy by being a busy trading center.

Lose 1 Block of Salt

Pay in Dried Fruit – If you managed to hold onto this item for so long, this was very valuable as the food came from such a far away region.

No Damage

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Final Score

All Remaining Squares

1 Point Each

Qur’an

1 Point

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Final Score