Cleveland Museum of Art
Japanese Folktales (Asian Odyssey)
The Cleveland Museum of Art presents this interdisciplinary model unit that asks class members to explore how the same themes are presented in the folktales and art of several cultures.
Penguin Books
Teacher's Guide: When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka
Julie Otsuka's haunting novel, When the Emperor Was Devine, is the subject of a 14-page teacher's guide. The guide includes the text of an interview with Otsuka, background information about Japanese immigration to the United States, and...
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum
Pearl Harbor Activity #1: Newspaper or Radio Account
After listening to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Day of Infamy" speech, young historians research information about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, possible motives for the attack, and the consequences of the attack. Scholars...
National Park Service
Remembering Pearl Harbor: The USS Arizona Memorial
Young historians use primary source materials to investigate the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and the sinking of the USS Arizona. After reading background articles and studying maps and images of the attack, class members consider whether...
PBS
Pearl Harbor and the Internment of Japanese Americans during World War II
Balancing national security and civil liberties can be tricky. To appreciate the tension between these two concepts, class members investigate the Japanese attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor and President Franklin D....
Center for History Education
Japanese American Internment During World War II
World War II turned nations against each other and neighbors into enemies. An eye-opening lesson explores the dark past of Japanese-American internment camps during WWII. Scholars learn of the fear and distrust toward Asian Americans...
Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation
How Do Pictures Tell the Story of Angel Island?
Young historians learn more about the history of Angel Island Immigration Station through their analysis of primary source images. Guided by a list of inferential questions, scholars learn how to make and record observations on a...
Stanford University
Nagasaki
After mere minutes, the atomic bomb in warfare changed the world forever. Pupils use their knowledge of primary sources to complete a written assessment. The assessment requires learners to identify the event and to explain in...
Stanford University
Japan and America
When Commodore Matthew Perry sailed to Japan and demonstrated American naval strength, he forced the empire to engage in trade with the United States. How did this new, strong-armed relationship influence both parties? Pupils consider...
National WWII Museum
Race and War in the Pacific: A Propaganda Gallery Walk
Race played a key role in the war in the Pacific during World War II. Using images from both American and Japanese sources, learners consider racial propaganda and how leaders used it to rally popular support during the conflict. After...
US National Archives
WWII: The Pacific 1939-45 – Japan and the Atom Bomb
Though the scientists who developed the atom bomb did not believe it should be used to end World War II, American President Harry S. Truman and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill were of like mind in their decision to drop the bomb...
US National Archives
WWII: The Pacific 1939-45 – Iwo Jima
Of the images that have permeated history to define American courage, perseverance, and patriotism, the 1945 photograph of United States Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima is one of the most well known. After researching the pivotal...
Curated OER
Feudal Powers in Japan
One of the most intriguing eras in world history was the shift to Feudalism in Japan. Examine the causes and effects of Japan's religion, culture, borrowing from China, and rise to Feudalism. Facts are given about the Shogunate, Samauri,...
Curated OER
Feudal Japan
An excellent overview of historical Japanese culture, this presentation could carry through a world history unit or a lesson on the history of Japan. Especially interesting are the slides that compare Japanese armor and castles to other...
Curriculum Development Institute
Reconstruction and Development in Japan after WWII
After World War II, Japan faced the task of rebuilding—under the watchful eyes of the Allies. Using a dice game and creative discussion strategies, class members consider the challenges facing Japan and changes the country underwent...
Indiana University
British Literature Restoration Unit: The Pillow Book – Sei Shonagon
First drafted in the year 996, The Pillow Book contains reflections of those met by a lady-in-waiting in the Japanese court. A brief summary, historical context, and discussion questions are provided on the first two pages. Then, two...
Curated OER
The Tale of Genji
Did you know that the world's first novel was written by a woman? Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji, was published in 1021. Class members research Eastern and Western cultures in the 10th and 11th centuries, view modern adaptations of...
Curated OER
Japanese History Flashcards
Quiz your historians in the fascinating history and culture behind modern-day Japan using this trivia flashcard handout. Ten cards each contain a simply-written question and answer, covering topics such as Confucianism, bushido, Japan's...
Curated OER
Pre-Assessment / Introductory Essay Jigsaw Part A
Students investigate Imperial Japan. In this Japanese history lesson, students listen to a lecture about Imperial Japan and then complete jigsaw reading activities about the country during the 20th century. Students write essays that...
Curated OER
Who Were the Dissidents?
Young scholars discover how Japanese dissidents spoke out against the injustice practiced in Imperial Japan. In this Japanese history lesson, students listen to a lecture about the silent dissidents in the nation prior to World War II...
Curated OER
H4 Homework Assignment #22-23
In this global studies instructional activity, students read the noted pages in their textbooks and then respond to 8 short answer questions about Japanese involvement in World War II.
Curated OER
Bringing Democracy to Japan
Students study a piece of Japanese contemporary history. In this democratic values lesson, students listen to their instructor lecture on the implementation of democratic government in Japan. Students respond to discussion questions and...
Curated OER
Early Japanese History & Culture (2)
In this online interactive world history worksheet, learners answer 8 multiple choice questions regarding early Japanese history and culture. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Curated OER
Japan 1850-1914
In this Japan 1850-1914 fact card worksheet, students use the notes and picture provided to create a note card for study purposes.