Japan

A Webquest to

Introduce Aspects of the Country's Culture

You have been chosen to design a huge mural depicting Japanese culture to be painted on a major wall in the United Nations building. The mural is causing a lot of controversy in Japan, however. Some citizens are afraid that the mural will not show the true Japan. People have many different views of what is important in the country's culture.

In just a few days, you must present your proposal for the mural to the Japanese people. The president has asked that you answer the following questions by then:

• What items should be included in the mural?
• What will each of the items depict about the culture of Japan?

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The Task

You are to assume the role of the different citizens in Japan in choosing the items to include in your mural.Your task is to read and review the Internet sites to learn more about what is important to each person. After doing your research, you will complete the worksheet listing the items to include for each of the citizens and what that item depicts about the Japanese culture. (Download worksheet)

Finally, you will actually paint the mural using whatever medium you choose. (Hyperstudio paint tools with embedded photos from the Internet; A poster with items painted with poster paints; A mural of photographs; bulletin board paper cut in a long strip to serve as an actual mural with whatever color source you choose, etc.)

The Resources

• Images of Japan
• Japan Guide
• Japanese Menu
• Arts & Crafts Class
• Traditional Japanese Craft
• From Cherry Blossoms to Economic Trends
• Kids Web Japan
• Explore Japan
• Annual Japanese Festival
• Let's Learn the Numbers

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The Process

• Download and print the worksheet.
• Click on an Internet Resource and begin reading and researching.
• Choose one or more items involved in Japanese culture that would be particularly important to each of the listed citizens. (example: child: kites)
• List the item and a brief description of what importance that item plays in Japanese culture.

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The Citizens

• Child
• Senior Citizen
• Soldier
• Teacher
• Native
• Tourist
• President
• Artist
• Athlete
• Cook

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Advice

Try to put yourself into the role. Attempt to understand why this person sees this item as important. As you do further research on the Internet, look for more reasons to use each item. Be prepared to discuss why you include each item in your mural.

Your worksheet will be graded for thoroughness and accuracy.

The best murals will be displayed in the sixth grade hall during the school cultural fair. with ribbons awarded for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place.

• Japan's culture is very old and very precious to her native people.
• What things from the Japanese culture do you recognize in our own?
• Can you explain why America is often called the melting pot of the world?
• What items in our own culture do you feel were actually born in America and not imported with some of our American immigrants?

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Last updated: Friday, October 18, 2002 1:49 PM

For Information about this Web Contact: Nancy O'Neal at noneal@eskambia.k12.fl.us