Step back into gold, glory, and history

Welcome to Mali on the Mic with the Bears. Created right here in Newark for our 6th graders, our educational podcast and interactive classroom portal bring the magnificent West African Mali Empire straight to your ears.

What we offer our learners

From vibrant audio storytelling to hands-on classroom projects.  Discover the interactive learning tools designed to help every middle school student master West African history.

Engaging podcast episodes

Tune in to dynamic, kid-friendly audio episodes covering Sundiata Keita, Mansa Musa, gold-salt trade routes, and legendary griots.

Mali empire history guide

Deepen your comprehension with curated reading passages, historical timelines, and primary source excerpts designed specifically for 6th graders.

Student projects showcase

Celebrate our young scholars by exploring student-created podcasts, dioramas, trade route maps, and research assignments.

Classroom study resources

Access printable listening guides, vocabulary flashcards, comprehension checks, and review games to ace upcoming social studies units.

"Listening to the podcast made Mansa Musa's pilgrimage feel like an epic adventure. It made studying world history my favorite part of the school day!"

6th Grade Bear Scholar, Newark Public Schools

Meet the host and the bear squad

Teaching history should never be dry or boring. Learn more about our Newark classroom, our passion for West African heritage, and why our middle school Bears love taking over the microphone.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about how we use the podcast for classwork, homework, and test preparation? Find all the quick answers below.

Who is this podcast made for?

This podcast is produced specifically for 6th grade social studies students in Newark, New Jersey, but is free and open to any young learner curious about the Mali Empire.

How long are the episodes?

Each episode runs between 8 and 15 minutes, making them easy to listen to during homeroom, independent study time, or on the ride home.

Are companion worksheets available?

Yes! Every episode comes paired with a listening sheet and vocabulary list located in our Classroom Study Resources section.

Can students be featured on the mic?

Absolutely. Students earn guest spots and host segments by completing top-quality research projects and exhibiting outstanding Bear leadership.

Which historical topics are covered?

We explore the Rise of Sundiata, the epic wealth of Mansa Musa, the universities of Timbuktu, trans-Saharan trade routes, and everyday life in ancient West Africa.

Can parents and guardians listen too?

Yes, families are warmly encouraged to listen together and discuss the questions posed at the end of each episode.