A&E INSIDER > JOIN > LOGIN
Classroom.
Bring Great Ideas into Your Classroom.
The New Explorers

In the Footsteps of Dr. Livingstone

This episode of The New Explorers follows the great-grandson of the famous Dr. David Livingstone as he traces the path of his notable ancestor. David Livingstone Wilson joins scientists and adventurers of the New Century Expedition. Their goal is to follow the route of Dr. Livingstone's final journey through the impenetrable rural areas of Africa.

In the Footsteps of Dr. Livingstone would be useful for classes on World History, Cultural Anthropology, Science and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Vocabulary Discussion Questions

  1. Who was Dr. David Livingstone? Why was he so famous?

  2. What did Dr. Livingstone contribute to the world in the 19th century?

  3. Dr. Livingstone's great-grandson, David Livingstone Wilson, chose to relive his great-grandfather's last journey. Why?

  4. Who organized David Livingstone's Wilson's expedition? Why did they organize it? What was their goal?

  5. The New Century Expedition also traced the route of Henry Morton Stanley, the journalist who found Dr. Livingstone in Ujiji in 1872. Compare the trip of the new Century Expedition with that of Henry Morton Stanley.

  6. Discuss the changes in the African landscape that have occurred between Dr. Livingstone's expedition and the New Century Expedition.

  7. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of Dr. Livingstone's discoveries for the people of Africa.

  8. Dr. Livingstone was appalled at the slave trade that existed in his lifetime. How did Dr. Livingstone help to bring an end this blight?

  9. What is poaching? How does poaching contribute to the endangerment of certain species?

  10. How had AIDS devastated Africa?

Extended Activities

  1. Imagine that you are a member of the New Century Expedition. Keep a journal or diary of your adventure.

  2. On a map of Africa, trace the route of Dr. Livingstone.

  3. Compare the world of Dr. David Livingstone with the world of his great-grandson.

Related Videos

Classroom Materials

A&E The Biography Channel The History Channel History Channel International History Channel en Español