Written by Jim Mc Alpine, Betty Weincek, Sue Jeweler, & Marion Finkbinder

Understanding Japan: An Interdisciplinary Approach is designed to introduce students to the people, ideas, places, and events in Japanese history and culture. Students will explore information about Japan and extend their knowledge by researching their own areas within this topic.


The goal is to ignite an interest in and understanding of Japan so that students grasp its past, present and future importance as a global influence. 


Successful use of Understanding Japan: An Interdisciplinary Approach will reinforce students’ essential skills in critical thinking, organization, and research. National Standards can be addressed along with developing and extending skills in the following areas: 



• analytical thinking
• abstract thinking 

• problem solving 

• independent research 

• understanding point of view 

• teamwork and cooperation 



Grades 5 to 12.

The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*:

Reading: Informational Text
Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

Reading: History/Social Studies
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.
Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

Writing: History/Social Studies
Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis reflection, and research.

Writing
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.