Updated July 2006 - loads of dead links removed...
The current superpower of choice for us to study, despite its recent economic problems, and increasing competition from the NIC's / 'Tiger economies' is:
JAPAN
This page is now solely about JAPAN. All information on USA has been removed (not that there was ever very much....)
For teachers, the JAPAN 21 site should perhaps be the first port of call. This offers colour coded links for students and teachers. A series of images of Japan can apparently be downloaded for project work, but this hasn't worked the last couple of times I've visited.
Want to see what's happening in TOKYO right now ? Try these WEB CAMS and MAPS. There are 24 maps of the city.
Useful supplement in the Times in July 2006 looking at OFFBEAT JAPAN : useful articles and information, for example the fact that most buildings in Tokyo (which has a population approaching 28 million) are under 40 years old.
Also get a copy of LOST IN TRANSLATION: this was opening night premiere on FILM FOUR, which is now FREE
An article on TOKYO: useful for project work is HERE
The SIMPSONS have visited JAPAN and their visit has some great stereotypes (or phenotypes) which it's worth exploring. Check out the 2nd part of the episode. Worth remembering that it also parodies America (see lesson link lower down the page)
JAPAN LESSON PLANS
1. CLIMBING MOUNT FUJI
Go HERE for some very useful details on climbing the mountain (you'll need to cancel the download of the Japanese character reader) - it has a Webcam (remember the time difference or you'll just see a dark square....) - could prepare students for the pilgrimage, perhaps packing a rucksack - a similar activity is included in the BADGER Thinking through Geography book.
2. RESEARCH TASK using JAPAN INFORMATION NETWORK
http://nippon-jin.com - the new address !
It has a series of sections which look at the various aspects of LIFE IN JAPAN at a level suitable for students of KS3 or KS4 (at a push) age. Give each student a different aspect of life in JAPAN to study and present to the others in the group. Peer Assess...
Act out some of your findings - kabuki style !
3. USING 'LIVING JAPAN'
We have a set of these illustrated magazines from the Japan Information and Cultural Centre, 101-104 Piccadilly, London, W1V 9FN - they may still be available, or perhaps there's a new edition - whatever, it has to be worth a second class stamp!
4. VIDEO NOTES / QUESTIONS
The JAPAN 2000 series now sounds a little dated - remember when 2001 was impossibly in the future ? Well I do...
A colleague has suggested the following questions for use with the AGAINST ALL ODDS programme (questions / answers come in chronological order)
a) List 4 problems from the video caused by Japan's Physical Geography
b) How many people live in Japan ?
c) Describe the ambitious transport link which is "the backbone that welds the country together".
d) What is planned to reduce congestion in the region of Kansai ?
e) What was the large bridge that was built to connect the islands first of all ?
f) Describe the new bridge that is being built
g) What 3 hazards does the new bridge have to be designed to cope with ?
h) Which is Japan's largest port ?
i) What new project is located at Wakasa Bay ?
j) What have the government done to reassure people about the Wakasa Bay project ?
k) How have local people been affected ?
l) How many nuclear power stations have been planned in this country ?
5. RADICAL GEOGRAPHY MATERIALS
http://www.radicalgeography.co.uk/11.html - resources produced by TONY CASSIDY while in Japan on an exchange visit. These include some excellent resources which you may have use for, including a JAPAN or NOT starter, some VIDEOS and WINDOWS, 6x6 stories, Against all Odds starter and a Pink Panther mystery. Exciting stuff to engage the pupils.
6. SIMPSONS IN JAPAN
Val Vannet has produced one of my favourite resources: a powerpoint exploring the stereotypes of Japan (and the USA) which are tackled in this episode. Keep an eye on the schedules to catch it..
Makes use of lots of screen grabs which can be obtained from a number of SIMPSONS sites.
7. PICTURE STARTER
Put the term 'Capsule hotels' into an image source and use this as a discussion starter. Perhaps try the 5 Ws technique...
8. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN JAPAN (Year 9 Assessment Task)
There's a new link to some WORKSHEETS that can be used to help with this particular activity. Thanks to ex- colleague Mr. Kyd for producing these. The David Waugh Key Geography 'Interactions' series can be used for this particular exercise.
We have, in the past, given the Year 9 groups at KES the following task:
Describe the causes and explain the consequences of 3 environmental problems facing Japan, and suggest solutions for each
(15 marks)
For each problem, there are 5 marks available. These are gained for clearly outlining the causes and consequences, locating the problems accurately and suggesting meaningful and practical solutions.
There are a range of possible topics to investigate:
TOKYO: Overcrowding in the metropolis, high land values, pollution in Tokyo Bay
Agriculture: use of chemicals - effect on Lake Biwa
Industrial pollution in the sea: links to Minamata disease and other tragedies
Development of large scale nuclear power e.g Wakasa Bay, and recent releases of radioactive materials
Lack of flat land: need to reclaim land from the sea
Whaling - dolphins killed in tuna fishing nets
Disposable 'throwaway society'
Tectonic hazards / climatic hazards could be included at a push
You can, of course choose your own examples.
Useful sites:
A worrying report by TIME MAGAZINE on Toxic Japan.
Pollution in LAKE BIWA and description here of KOGAI (lots of examples to mention in brief - gives you 30 or 40 possible problems to investigate in more depth), including such things as 'Red Tides'
