Students mini notes
Grade 4 Social Science
Topic 6: Shelter
*Key Question: How do people create shelters, and why do they use different
materials and designs?
1. Indigenous Types of Shelter
Objective: Learn about traditional shelters used in Zimbabwe and their purposes.
What are Indigenous Shelters?
-These are traditional homes built using natural materials found in the local
environment. They are passed down from one generation to another.
-They reflect the culture, climate, and needs of the community.
Examples of Indigenous Shelters in Zimbabwe
1. Cooking hut
-A small, round hut with a thatched grass roof used for cooking and gatherings.
-Built by the Shona people.
-Good for hot weather — it stays cool inside.
2. Granary ( dura )
-A larger hut often used to store harvested crops and food.
3. Tsapi
-A simple and temporary shelter made by herders.
-Used when moving with animals to graze.
4. Tonga Huts
-Built by the Tonga people.
-Often raised on poles to avoid floods from rivers.
5. Caves
-Used by early people.
-Provided shelter from wild animals and weather.
6. Nhanga
7. Gota
8. Dara
Why Were These Shelters Built?
1.Climate Adaptation - Thick mud walls keep heat out.
2.Cultural Use - Shape and design match cultural traditions.
3.Availability of Resources - Made from things like mud, wood, and grass found
nearby.
Activity
1.Draw a hut and label the roof, wall, and floor.
Explain: Why does this shelter stay cool in summer?
2. Shelters Outside Zimbabwe
Objective: Learn about shelters from other parts of the world and how they suit
different climates.
Examples
1. Igloo (Arctic Regions)
•Made from ice blocks.
•Dome-shaped to keep the inside warm.
2. Pyramids (Egypt)
•Made from stone.
•Very strong and built for burial of kings.
3. Skyscrapers (Big Cities)
•Tall buildings made from steel and glass.
•Used for offices and homes in crowded places.
4. Dome shaped huts
5. Wigwam
Why Are Shelters Different in Other Places?
1.Climate:
•Cold areas need warm shelters like igloos.
•Hot, dry places use stone (like pyramids) to keep cool.
2.Materials:
•People use what is available (e.g., ice in the Arctic, stone in Egypt).
3.Population:
•In crowded places, tall buildings save space.
3. Materials Used for Shelter
Objective: Know the materials used and why they are chosen.
Materials Where it's used Why it's used
Grass ( Thatch) roofing Cheap,cool,and keeps
rain out
Mud ( dagga ) Walls Cool inside ,easy to find
Wood Frames ,walls,roofs Strong and light
Bricks Morden homes Strong and long lasting
Cement Morden buildings Very strong,lasts a long
time
Class Windows Bring in light ,good for
morden look
grass
Steel
Asbestos
Stones
Fibre
Corrugated iron sheets
Factors that determine choice of material
1. Cost:
•Local materials like mud are cheaper than cement.
2. Weather: ( climate )
•Grass is good for roofs in rainy areas.
3. Purpose:
•Granaries need strong walls to protect food.
•Herdsmen use light shelters for easy movement.
4. Durability of material
5. Availability of material
6. Expertise
