4th Grade S.S. LEAP Sahara Desert

Identify the Nile River

Identify the Nile Delta

Identify the Red Sea

Use Source 1 to answer the question.

Which physical characteristic is most closely related to the Sahara Desert?

• rich soil near rivers

• vast sand dunes and arid climate

• tropical jungles and abundant rainfall

• high mountain ranges surrounding the area

Use Source 2 to answer the questions.

Part A: Which conclusion about the purpose of the camel can best be made from Source 2?

• It allowed people to cross the Sahara without needing to carry water.

• It provided transportation across the desert, revolutionizing trade and migration.

• It was used for agricultural purposes in the Sahara.

• It allowed people to cultivate crops in the desert.

Part B: Which sentence best supports the answer to Part A?

• "The camel is well-suited to desert life because it can store water in its body."

• "The camel was crucial for transportation across the Sahara."

• "Camels can travel long distances without food or water."

• "The camel has been domesticated for various uses, including agricultural work."

Use Source 3 to answer the question.

Which statement about the Sahara Desert and Egypt does Source 3 best support?

• The Sahara was a source of valuable minerals such as gold and salt.

• The Egyptians avoided the desert entirely and focused only on farming.

• The Sahara provided no useful resources to ancient Egypt.

• The desert was an obstacle for the Egyptians but never a benefit.

Write in the chart one correct description for each advancement to show how the advancement helped life in the Sahara Desert.

Groups:

(a) Domestication of camels

,

(b) Trade routes

,

(c) Mining for gold and salt

,

(d) Spread of Islam

• Led to economic prosperity and trade between civilizations.

• Promoted cultural and trade exchanges across the Sahara.

• Facilitated the exchange of goods like salt and gold.

• Provided transportation and enabled trade across the desert.

Use all of the sources to answer the question.

Which statements best explain how life in the Sahara Desert influenced the development of civilizations? Select the two correct answers.

• It led to the rise of trade networks across the desert, connecting distant civilizations.

• It led to the development of agricultural systems for growing crops in the desert.

• It led to the domestication of camels, making it easier to cross the desert.

• It led to the creation of permanent settlements within the desert.

• It led to the creation of vast empires that controlled the desert region.

Use the sources to answer the question.

Explain two different ways life in the Sahara Desert influenced the development of nearby civilizations. As you write, be sure to fully answer all parts of the prompt using information and examples from your knowledge of history.