Overview
Searching for Amani presents a compelling documentary with a young journalist main character that introduces students to Kenya and explores climate change from multiple perspectives, including Biodiversity, Colonialism, Conflict and Conservation, Economic Justice, Human Rights, and Indigenous Peoples. It’s also a powerful tool for teaching interview skills and inspiring interest in journalism careers.
Lesson Plans
Climate/Environment Lesson
Subject: Community Service Learning, Environmental Science
Lesson Grades: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Climate, Indigenous People, Human Rights, Economic Justice, Colonialism, Biodiversity
Handout 1: Characters | Actions | Motivations (Film Viewing Guide)
Handout 2: A History of Climate in Crisis
Handout 3: Settler Colonialism and Indigenous Peoples
Handout 4: Indigenous Peoples and Climate Justice
Teacher Resource 1: Characters | Actions | Motivations (Prompt Sheet)
Teacher Resource 2: Settler Colonialism and Indigenous Peoples (Suggested Answers for Handout 3)
Download Environment Lessons
Preview Environment Lesson
Journalism Lesson
Subject: Career Studies, Civics, Community Service Learning, Creative Writing, Film Literacy, Journalism, Language Arts, Media Literacy
Lesson Grades: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
This Land is Your Land? Journalism Lesson
Handout 1: Native Land Research
Handout 2: Tips on Interviewing
Download Journalism Lesson
Preview Journalism Lesson
Historical Context: Kenya
Subject: Geography, History, Social Studies, World History
Lesson Grades: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Printable Map of Kenya; Kenya Condensed Timeline (1885-Present)
Learning Guide
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Letter from the Film Team
Subject: Film Literacy
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Communities and Climate Change
Subject: Civics, Community Service Learning, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Science, Service Learning
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Reflection
Subject: English Language Arts, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Film Literacy, Human Development, Journalism, Language Arts
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Additional Resources
Subject: Civics, Community Service Learning, Current Events, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Journalism, Language Arts, Science, Service Learning
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Handouts: Climate Crisis Timeline, Research Examples, Interview Tips
Subject: Community Service Learning, Current Events, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Journalism
These resources are best for middlee school and high school students, Grades 6-12, ages 12-18.
Discussion Guide
Facilitation Guidelines
About the Film
Letter from the Filmmaking Team
Impact of Climate Change in Kenya (Environmental Science)
Pastoral, Agricultural, and Urban Life (Geography, Social Studies)
Conflict and Conservation (Environmental Science)
Role of Investigative Journalism (Journalism)
Reflections
Making a Difference (Service Learning)
Additional Resources
Group Discussion Facilitation Guidelines
These tips can help you create safe space for classroom engagement on the themes and subjects of this film.
Sustainable Development Goals
Journeys in Film supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more about teaching with UN SDGs. This curriculum guide connects to the following SDGs.Join Our Community
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