Imperial Japan Lesson Plans

Students engage in a lesson plan in order to compare and contrast the Imperialism of Japan to that of the United States and Europe. Students can complete a variety of activities that include research questions, reflection from lecture, and taking notes.

Students read and respond to an excerpts from The Pillow Book- Sei Shonagon. They compare their life to the life of a tenth century Japanese Court woman. They examine how personal diaries help to teach about cultures.

Students study introductory history and cultural purposes of selected Japanese dance forms. They analyze the philosophical beliefs, social systems, and movement norms that influence the function and role of Japanese dance in the lives of its people.

Students read and respond to a history of Korea. In this occupation lesson, students work in groups to research the effects of Japanese occupation and create an illustrated timeline. Students listen to a lecture and write an acrostic. Students create and write a newspaper on the occupation of Korea by the Japanese from the point of view of various groups.

Eleventh graders discover that many of the issues the United States faces today elicit the same type of political, philosophical and moral debate that has divided the country in the past.

Students research current events in Korea and their historical causes. In this Korean civilization lesson plan, students take notes on the geography and history of Korea. Students research CNN.com and evaluate articles on topics related to Korea. Students design a timeline and write an essay synthesizing their research.

Eighth graders study the history, philosophies and landscapes that influenced Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural works. They practice scale drawing and, in groups, create a scale building that reflects Wright's work.

Young scholars identify flags by country, then research the symbolism and history of those flags in preparation for writing and delivering oral presentations. For homework, they write essays reflecting on the relationship between flags, anthems and patriotism.

U.S. immigration is the focus of a unit on social justice. Integrated into the content of a school year, young historians read a variety of texts to learn about four waves of immigration that have occurred over time in the U.S. An emphasis on perspective, cultural values, and character education weaves throughout. 

Students work in pairs as global wedding planners to research and propose authentic wedding ceremonies from various cultures around the world. They reflect on their understanding of marriage, and the ways in which it is informed by society and the media.