Japan Society
Akutagawa Ryunosuke and the Taisho Modernists
Japan's Taisho Period was a time when authors like Akutagawa and other Japanese modernists began to experiment with point of view and literary form, making the literature produced during this time period a natural choice for teaching...
Curated OER
East Meets West: The Art of Simplicity
Fifth graders examine the influences of Japan on American life through this three lesson plan unit. Feudal Japan with its traditional arts and culture is contrasted with current developments of the country.
Asian Art Museum
Community Identity?
To better understand the contemporary arts movement in Japan, learners engage in a guided discussion. They view several photograms by the artist Kunie Sugirua, then discuss the elements of art and techniques used to create each...
Curated OER
What Fostered the Axis?
Ninth graders present the major cultural, economic and political forces in Germany, Italy & Japan that allowed for the rise and dominance of totalitarian regimes in that country. They discuss how the above listed forces brought the...
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Destiny Determined: Power & Ritual in Asia
Students brainstorm a list of symbols that represent our cultural values. They research symbols of China and Japan. Students create a timeline showing how symbols have evolved in these two countries. They view the video "Showing the...
Curated OER
Bunraku and Western Puppet Theater: A Comparison
High schoolers compare and contrast puppet theater traditions. In this cultural traditions lesson, students watch film clips of bunraku puppet theater in Japan and then research the art of puppet theater in the world. High schoolers...
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Origami Paper Cranes
Students complete cross-curricular activities to study the culture and humanity in Japan. Students read the book Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes and complete social studies and art lessons related to the book as well as develop an...
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The Language of Love
Students explore the images and idioms related to love in their own culture. They examine new rituals recently created in Japan by reading and discussing "Osaka Journal:Japanese Date Clubs Take the Muss Out of Mating."
Curated OER
Greek Mythology -- Part II
High schoolers use the internet to gather information about Greek Mythology. They discover the role of the snake and shamrock and the history of St. Patrick's Day. They compare and contrast their culture to another.
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Historical Witness: Social Messaging
Research European expansionism and colonialism during the Age of Exploration. Study the Marquise de Miramon and discuss the objects from Japan. Research Europe's expansionism and colonialism during the Age of Exploration by working in...
Curated OER
Storytelling: Using the Arts to Enrich the Curriculum...
Young scholars explore the art of storytelling and stories from various cultures. Students experience Japanese and Chinese culture as well as Greek mythology. Young scholars create and present their own Greek mythology topic to the class.
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Chinese Paper-Cuts
Students identify the art and culture of China while increasing their dexterity in art and their skills of papermaking. Students identify and analyze the application of the elements and principles of design to the cute of paper-making...
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Origami
Students, through active participation in Japanese origami, demonstrate their skills in this cultural art form and develop an appreciation for other cultures.
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Korea: Reading Lost Names by Richard Kim
Students explore the history and culture of Korea. They randomly pick a new name from appropriate male or female containers. They discuss proper pronunciation and their feelings about having to accept new names.
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Ancient Man in Asia
Seventh graders analyze and synthesize information about major historical developments by interpreting data, evaluation sources of information, identifying and comparing experiences and perspectives from multiple cultural perspectives.
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Japanese Carp Kites
Students listen to the story A Carp for Kimiko and discuss its theme/lesson. Then they identify and are introduced to the Japanese holiday, Children's Day, formerly known as Boy's Day. Students also design and create their own carp kite....
Curated OER
The Tet Offensive and the Vietnam War
Students comprehend how the United States became involved in what one historian called the quagmire. Students identify and analyze the importance of the Tet Offensive in turning American public opinion against the Vietnam War. Students...
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Up Close with Author Allen Say
Students explore the Asian-American culture. They read several books written by Japanese-American author Allen Say and create questions to ask the author. Students write letters to the author.
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Haiku - Poetry of the Samurai Warrior
Learners research the Samurai and their Haiku Writings. Students use internet research to gather information about the ancient Japanese Samurai. The learners then create individual Haiku writings, and a cultural day is designated when...
Rutgers University
How the Allies Won World War II: Island-hopping in the Central Pacific
Using primary source documents, young historians explore the strategies the US used to defeat Japan during WWII. They also learn about the American military experience, and innovations that changed the style of warfare. Students benefit...
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Japan Writing Activity
Seventh graders explore the current tensions in Asia by completing a graphic organizer. In this Asian politics instructional activity, 7th graders examine a Powerpoint slide and news article which gives them the information needed...
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Patriotism Reflected in Art and Literature (Part B)
Tenth graders compare and contrast the patriotism of Imperial Japan to its presence in the United States today. In this patriotism lesson, 10th graders write essays and participate in a classroom debate that requires them to consider the...
Curated OER
Taiko Drumming and Folktales - Activity 1
Students discuss how sound has been used throughout history and cultures, including present day in their own lives, through the study of Taiko Drums in this introductory lesson. Resource ideas are provided.
Curated OER
My Country, Your Country
Fifth graders read a story about a girl living in Tokyo. Using the Internet, they research Japan while noting its unique characteristics. They virtually connect with a classroom in Japan and share information about their school with them.