The Japan Project (KS1 & KS2)
The Japan Project is a multi-lesson unit designed to give KS1 and KS2 students 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.
Download all lesson resources (Zip folder 23MB) or see below for more detailed information on the lesson content.
Note: This resource is a pilot and two further lessons are currently in development for this unit; additional revisions or updates may be made.
Lesson 1 – Japan's Location
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
L1 - Location Lesson Plan - PDF (688KB)
L1 - Location Presentation - PPTX (3.9 MB)
L1 - Task 1 Worksheet [KWL] - PDF (91 KB)
L1 - Task 2 Worksheet [Location] - PDF (208 KB)
Lesson 2 – Volcanoes (Physical Geography)
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
L2 - Volcanoes Lesson Plan - PDF (945 KB)
L2 - Volcanoes Presentation - PPTX (5.6 MB)
L2 - Task 1 [True or False] Worksheet - PDF (142 KB)
Lesson 3 – Weather & Climate
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
L3 - Climate Lesson Plan - PDF (871 KB)
L3 - Climate Presentation - PPTX (2.5 MB)
L3 - Task 1 Weather Forcast Worksheet - PDF (1.3 MB)
L3 - Task 2 Weather Data in Excel - XLSX (27 KB)
L3 - Task 2 Weather Data - PDF (182 KB)
L3 - Task 2 Weather Data Worksheet - PDF (273 KB)
L3 - [ALTERNATIVE] Task 2 Data and Worksheet - PDF (98 KB)
Lesson 4 - Japanimals!
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
L4 - Japanimals Lesson Plan - PDF (846 KB)
L4 - Japanimals Presentation - PPTX (3.9 MB)
L4 - Japanimals Fact Sheets - PDF (3.5 MB)
L4 - Japanimals Worksheet - PDF (4.5 MB)
Additional Resources