Lesson Plan: Excursion/Site Visitation to the Oba Palace in Benin
**Grade Level: Senior Secondary 1**
**Subject: Tourism**
**Topic:** Excursion/Site Visitation to a Tourist Site in Benin - Oba Palace
**Duration:** 2 hours
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### Objectives:
1. **Knowledge Objective:** Students will understand the historical and cultural significance of the Oba Palace in Benin.
2. **Skills Objective:** Students will develop skills in observational research, note-taking, and reporting.
3. **Attitudinal Objective:** Students will appreciate the cultural heritage and the importance of preserving historical sites.
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### Materials Needed:
- Notebooks and pens
- Cameras (optional, if allowed)
- Maps of Benin City
- Audio recorder or smartphone (for recording information during the visit)
- Handouts with facts about the Oba Palace and Benin Kingdom
- Permission slips signed by parents/guardians (if necessary)
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### Pre-Excursion Activities (30 minutes):
1. **Introduction (10 minutes):**
- Brief introduction to the topic by the teacher.
- Overview of the Oba Palace and its significance in the Benin Kingdom.
- Discussion on what students expect to see and learn during the visit.
2. **Preparatory Lecture (15 minutes):**
- PowerPoint presentation covering:
- History of the Oba Palace.
- The role of the Oba in traditional governance and cultural practices.
- Famous artifacts and architectural features of the palace.
- Handout distribution with key facts and important questions to consider during the visit.
3. **Safety and Conduct Briefing (5 minutes):**
- Discuss the code of conduct during the excursion.
- Emphasize the importance of respect and decorum within the palace grounds.
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### Excursion/Site Visitation (1 hour):
1. **Arrival and Welcome (10 minutes):**
- Meet with the palace tour guide.
- Brief welcome and introductory speech by the guide or a representative from the palace.
2. **Guided Tour (40 minutes):**
- Tour of the main sections of the Oba Palace, including the courtyards, audience chambers, and historical artifacts.
- Explanation of the cultural significance of various monuments and relics by the tour guide.
- Students to take notes and photographs (if permitted).
3. **Interactive Session (10 minutes):**
- Q&A session with the tour guide.
- Students encouraged to ask questions based on their observations and handout questions.
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### Post-Excursion Activities (30 minutes):
1. **Reflection and Discussion (15 minutes):**
- Return to the classroom or designated area.
- Group discussion on students’ experiences and key lessons learned.
- Students share their notes and observations.
2. **Reporting Assignment (15 minutes):**
- Students tasked with writing a brief report on their visit.
- Reports to include:
- Description of the site.
- Historical and cultural significance.
- Personal reflections and learning points.
- Students can also include photographs and sketches.
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### Assessment:
- Participation in discussions and activities during the excursion.
- Quality and depth of the written report.
- Ability to articulate the significance of the Oba Palace in their reports and discussions.
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### Conclusion:
- Teacher provides a summary of the day’s activities and the importance of understanding and preserving cultural heritage.
- Encourage students to visit more historical sites and engage in cultural tourism.
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**Follow-Up:**
- Plan a session to review and discuss students’ reports.
- Invite a guest speaker or an expert on Benin history for a more in-depth session.
- Arrange a visit to another historical site to build on this excursion’s learning experience.
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**Notes:**
- Ensure all necessary permissions are secured well in advance.
- Confirm visit details and any specific requirements with the Oba Palace management.
- Ensure students are aware of any rules regarding photography and interaction with historical objects.