The Japan Society
Resource

The Japan Project

Subject: Other Topics / History / Geography / Art & Design
Level: Key Stage 3 / Key Stage 2 / Key Stage 1
Age: 11-15 years / 7-11 years / 5-7 years
Resource Type: Activities / Presentations / Lesson Plans / Worksheets



The Japan Project is a multi-lesson unit designed to give pupils across Key Stages 1-3 a cross-curricular introduction to Japan.  

The unit includes lessons on Japan’s location, physical geography, climate, and wildlife and covers aspects of the Science, Art & Design, Computing and Geography curricula. It is intended to be taught whole, however individual lessons may also be used as standalone resources and can be used in any order after the first lesson. 

Download all lesson resources (Zip folder 75 MB), or see below for more detailed information on the lesson content.  

Lesson 1 – Japan's Location

Key Stage: upper KS1 - KS2

The first lesson of the unit gives students a chance to discuss what they already know about Japan and think about what they would like to learn over the coming weeks. As well as learning about the location of Japan in the world, students will find out about each of Japan’s main islands.  

Learning Objectives 
  • Locate Japan on a world map. 
  • Locate and name Japan’s capital city and four main islands.
Resources

Lesson 2 –  Volcanoes (Physical Geography)

Key Stage: KS2

Students will learn that Japan is home to many active volcanoes, including Mount Fuji and Sakurajima, and how volcanoes are formed. During the main task students will begin to create their own volcano and, when complete, will conduct a science experiment - mixing acid (vinegar) with an alkali (bicarbonate of soda) to create an eruption! 

Learning Objectives
  • Explore the physical geography of Japan. 
  • Know about and be able to name the Earth’s layers. 
  • Explore how volcanoes are formed and why they erupt.
Resources

Lesson 3 – Weather & Climate 

Key Stage: upper KS2

In this lesson, students will understand the difference between climate and weather. They will information about the weather in a Japanese city to create and present a weather report and will use weather data to evaluate the best time to visit Japan.  

Learning Objectives
  • Describe the climate of Japan. 
  • Investigate climatic variations across the country and throughout the year. 
  • Analyse, evaluate and present weather data from Japan using Excel. 
  • Evaluate when would be the best time to visit Japan. 
Resources

Lesson 4 - Japanimals!  

Key Stage: KS2

This lesson introduces students to the diversity of wildlife in Japan and their individual habitats. Using fact sheets and other information students will research one of the animals and annotate a map of Japan, showing where it can be found.  

Learning Objectives 
  • Research information about animals found in Japan. 
  • Present findings back to the class. 
Resources

Lesson 5 - Exploring Hokusai

Key Stage: upper KS2 - lower KS3

Introduce traditional ukiyo-e woodblock prints to students through Hokusai’s print series the Thirty-six views of Mount Fuji. Students will look at examples and learn about the printing process before making their own work inspired by Hokusai. 

Learning Objectives 
  • To explore the art of Katsushika Hokusai. 
  • To create an artwork inspired by Hokusai’s techniques. 
Resources

Lesson 6 - The History of Samurai

Key Stage: upper KS2 - lower KS3

In this lesson, pupils will get the chance to learn all about an interesting group of people throughout Japanese history – samurai! They will learn about the various roles that samurai played in society, as well as uncover some of the many myths that surround them through a fun myth vs reality activity. 

Learning Objectives 
  • Understand the significance of samurai in Japanese history.
  • Evaluate statements about samurai and consider whether they are true or false.
Resources
Additional Resources

Additional Resources

 

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