Foreign Policy Research Institute
A Geography Lesson
Fewer and fewer people have a strong grasp of world geography, but this activity helps students understand geopolitics by creating their own original historical map. The activity requires selecting a country from the list provided,...
Curated OER
Comparative Geography II
Students engage in a research question of finding the effect of population density upon the use of land in a physical area. They also find the effect of how this can effect the lifestyles of the people who live there.
Curated OER
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan!
Students study feudal Japan, the islands of the country, and its religions. In this history of Japan lesson, students complete a 9 lesson unit about Japan, its history, its feudalism, its islands, and its religions.
Curated OER
Lesson Plans for 2nd grade Japan Unit
Second graders explore the music and dance of Japan in this five lessons unit. Aspects of Janpanese and American culture are compared. The food, holidays, clothing, and the school day of the two countries are discussed.
Curated OER
Japan and The Ring of Fire
Students engage in a study of the volcanic forces and earthquakes associated with The Ring of Fire in the Pacific Ocean. The people of Japan are researched in how they have dealt with living in the area. Also students write in journals...
Curated OER
Volcanoes In Japan
Sixth graders study the characteristics of volcanoes in this unit. They apply the research to the study of three volcanoes in Japan. They complete mapwork, identify indicators of impending volcanic activity, and describe the dangers...
Curated OER
Pre-WWII Pacific W/Japan
Eleventh graders explain how the islands/countries contributed to Japan's war effort. They study the concept of location and determine how natural resources were a large factor in Japan's trade.
Curated OER
Exploring Japan Through Learning Centers
Students explore the Japanese culture and literature through various learning centers. They compare and contrast story details in two stories and complete a Venn diagram. After comparing the stories, they rotate to different centers and...
Curated OER
Comparative Geography I
Students use population density and other statistics to compare countries. They find the population density for the countries listed in the table. Students compare findings with a partner, and then share with the class.
Curated OER
Japanese Manners and Life Style
Young scholars continue their examination of modern Japan and its culture. Using a map, they locate various cities and landforms in the country and watch a video on related topics in which the make a timeline of key events. In groups,...
Curated OER
Japan and Disputed Land
Students engage in a variety of activities to research the land disputes that Japan has had in the 20th century with its neighbors. They role play an interesting meeting with the United Nations and conduct research to answer questions.
Curated OER
Social Studies: A Ticket to Japan
Fourth graders create Venn diagrams to compare and contrast life in the United States and Japan. While the teacher holds up word cards, they decide where to categorize them under Japan, the U.S., or both. As students assemble their...
Curated OER
The Effects of Limited Space on a Culture
Young scholars predict the impact of population density on shelter, transportation, recreation, land use, and social skills and then research that impact on Japan. They write a response about the impact of population density on...
Curated OER
Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes
Students read the novel "Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr. They Reaearch Japanese Culture and design a presentation based on information from the Sadako Peace Club link.
Curated OER
Meiji Modernization
Students analyze the significance of imperialism on the country of Japan. In groups, they use the internet to introduce themselves to the various Meiji leaders and their plans for the country of Japan. They describe the effects of...
Curated OER
You Too Can Haiku: How to Write a Haiku
Students explore language arts by writing their own poems. For this haiku lesson, students investigate the Japanese culture and their beautiful music, poetry and art. Students count the syllables in every line of a haiku poem and write...
Curated OER
Fifth Grade Literature: January
Fifth graders examine and analyze various poems by Edward Hersey Richards, Robert Frost, and Emily Dickinson. They explore similes, and write journal entry responses.
Curated OER
East Meets West: The Art of Simplicity
Fifth graders examine the influences of Japan on American life through this three lesson unit. Feudal Japan with its traditional arts and culture is contrasted with current developments of the country.
Curated OER
Through Time: Change in Sedona
Students locate events on a timeline of Sedona, Arizona and describe human and physical characteristics of the city. For this Sedona lesson plan, students locate the city on a map and listen to stories about Sedona.
Curated OER
World Religions
Ninth graders investigate the symbols and historical figures of the five main religions of the world. They participate in a class discussion, listen to a lecture and take notes, and write five Haikus, one about each major religion of...
Curated OER
How Islands Form
Students how islands form, rising water levels, growth of coral, and volcanoes. They complete Island Investigation worksheets after researching island formation on various Internet websites.
Curated OER
Legends of the Fifth
Fifth graders discover the difference between myths, legends, and folk tales. They summarize legends. They work together to dramatize legends and then create their own legend using the writing process. Handouts and worksheets are included.
Curated OER
Comfort Women
Ninth graders analyze connections between WW II, the Cold War and contemporary conflicts. They discover a more global perspective, as well as a greater sensitivity to the atrocities of war, and how the atrocities against the...
Curated OER
East Asia--The Asian Holocaust
Ninth graders study the effects of the Asian Holocaust by comparing it to the Nazi Holocaust. They view a Power Point and discuss the comparisons between both Holocausts. As they compare and contrast both, they discuss their reactions...