We’re pleased to introduce our collection of Searching for Amani Teaching Resources, new at Journeys in Film!
Searching for Amani follows a thirteen-year-old aspiring journalist’s investigation of his father’s tragic murder within the boundaries of one of Kenya’s largest wildlife conservancies.
Why Use Searching for Amani Teaching Resources In Your Classroom
Searching for Amani 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.
What Ages Is This Film For
Searching for Amani is not rated. We recommend it for ages 13 and up.
What Are Available As Searching For Amani Teaching Resources
1. Searching for Amani Teaching Resources: Discussion Guide
Provides helpful insights and context about 5 key topics in the film:
- Impact of Climate Change in Kenya
- Pastoral, Agricultural, and Urban Life
- Conflict and Conservation
- Role of Investigative Journalism
- Making a Difference (Community Service / Service Learning)
Includes guided prompts to help get the conversation started and engagement activities.
Subjects: Geography, Environmental Studies, Journalism, Service Learning, Social Studies.
Designed for: community screenings, panels, and workshops, and for college courses and seminars.
2. Searching for Amani Teaching Resources: Learning Guide
This guide focuses on themes of Community and Climate Change. It includes Driving Questions, Extension Activities. Additional Resources, and Useful Terms. It also includes three printable handouts: a Climate Crisis Timeline, Research Examples about Climate Change and Indigenous Communities, and Interview Tips.
Subjects: Civics, Community Service Learning, Current Events, English Language Arts, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Film Literacy, Human Development, Journalism, Language Arts, Science, Service Learning, STEM
Lesson Grades: 6-12
3. Searching for Amani Teaching Resources: Climate/Environment Lesson
This lesson explores the intersection of Biodiversity, Climate, Colonialism, Economic Justice, Human Rights, and Indigenous Peoples.
This lesson features extension activities and five printable handouts, including a Settler Colonialism and Indigenous Peoples Worksheet and Teacher Answer Key, and an Indigenous Peoples and Climate Justice Worksheet.
Subjects: Community Service Learning, Environmental Science
Lesson Grades: 7-12
4. Searching for Amani Teaching Resources: Journalism Lesson
This lesson explores the intersection of Biodiversity, Climate, Colonialism, Economic Justice, Human Rights, and Indigenous Peoples.
The lesson was created for journalism after-school film clubs, service-learning educational spaces, and other spaces looking to engage in activities related to gathering and reporting information, as well as classroom use.
This lesson features five printable handouts, including a Settler Colonialism and Indigenous Peoples Worksheet and Teacher Answer Key, and an Indigenous Peoples and Climate Justice Worksheet.
Subjects: Career Studies, Civics, Community Service Learning, Creative Writing, Film Literacy, Journalism, Language Arts, Media Literacy
Lesson Grades: 7-12
5. Searching for Amani Teaching Resources: Kenya Historical Context Handout
This three-page printable handout includes :
- Map of Kenya.
- Background information on the vibrant communities of Kenya and the challenges they face amid climate change, explained in historical context.
- Timeline of the Colonization of Kenya.
The handout is designed to work with all our Searching for Amani Teaching Resources. It is also helpful for classes on Kenya, Kenyan history, and contemporary climate conflicts in Kenya.
Subjects: Geography, History, Social Studies, World History
Lesson Grades: 7-12
Who Should Teach with Searching for Amani
These resources are best for Grades 6-12, college and adult learning communities. They are also great for after school clubs, community education, service learning spaces and public screenings.
What Classes do the Searching for Amani Teaching Resources Work In
The Searching for Amani Teaching Resources are suitable for classes in: Career Studies, Civics, Creative Writing, Community Service Learning, Current Events, English Language Arts, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Film Literacy, Geography, History, Human Development, Journalism, Language Arts, Media Literacy, Science, Service Learning, Social Studies, STEM and World History.
What Themes Are Explored in the Searching for Amani Teaching Resources
The Searching for Amani Teaching Resources explore themes of Biodiversity, Colonialism, Conflict and Conservation, Economic Justice, Human Rights, and Indigenous Peoples.
Tell Me More About The Film
Set in a Kenyan conservancy facing extreme drought, Searching for Amani follows a 13-year-old’s pursuit of truth as he uncovers the invisible forces of climate change threatening his home and future. What begins as a young aspiring journalist’s search for answers to his father’s death becomes a powerful coming-of-age story.
Where Can I Get the Searching for Amani Teaching Resources
Get your free copy of these teaching resources from the Searching for Amani film page in the Journeys in Film Resource Library and learn more about teaching with this powerful film.
What Other Films Does This Film Pair Well With
If you’re teaching about Africa, combine Searching for Amani with Queen of Katwe (Uganda) and The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind (Malawi).
If you’re teaching about Climate and Farming, we recommend Greener Pastures and The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind.
Where Can I Get Related Resources
Check out our related resource collections on Black History, Civics and Civic Engagement, Environmental Studies, Indigenous Peoples, and Media Literacy and Journalism.
What if I’m New to Teaching With Film
Check out our Teacher Toolbox to make teaching with film fun, easy and effective.
How Can I Share Feedback
If you are teaching with this film, we would love to hear how it works for you and your students. Please get in touch with us by using our contact form.
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