Japan and the World
www.wmich.edu/ ois/sap/images/
Introduction: Since we
are getting ready to begin a unit on Japan, it would be useful to
examine its geographical data and compare it to other parts of the
world. In the following activity, you will also observe data on
China, our previous unit of study. While looking at Japan's data,
from the CIA World Factbook, we can discover how Japan has similarities
and differences with the United States.
Activity:
1. Click here to find information about the history, land and people of the United States. http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/us.html
2. Then, click here to find information about the history, land and people of Japan. Since we are about to study Japan, use this World Atlas: Japan link to compare data/find additional useful information. http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ja.html and http://worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/jp.htm
3. Next, click here to find information about the history, land and people of China. http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ch.html
4. Finally, go to the CIA World Factbook homepage and select a fourth country of your choice. http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
5. Go through the three websites above to complete the chart below.
COMPARISION OF COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD
6. Use the chart to answer the following questions in complete sentences.
a. How does the population and land area of Japan compare to the other countries? Predict some problems that overpopulation may cause in Japan.
b. What was one noticable similarity or difference that you found particularly interesting. Explain.
BEYOND: On a separate sheet of paper, draw the flags of the USA, Japan, China, and your 4th country ( for a model, look on the CIA World Factbook for each country). Then, think of what you already know about Japan from prior knowlege/experiences? Create a K-W-L chart on the back of your paper and list your prior knowledge under the "K" section. Attach this paper to your spiral for future use.
Activity:
1. Click here to find information about the history, land and people of the United States. http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/us.html
2. Then, click here to find information about the history, land and people of Japan. Since we are about to study Japan, use this World Atlas: Japan link to compare data/find additional useful information. http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ja.html and http://worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/jp.htm
3. Next, click here to find information about the history, land and people of China. http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ch.html
4. Finally, go to the CIA World Factbook homepage and select a fourth country of your choice. http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
5. Go through the three websites above to complete the chart below.
COMPARISION OF COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD
| Country |
Land Area |
Population |
Languages |
Life
Expectancy |
Another Interesting Fact (Use the same topic for each country: Military, GDP, Government, etc.) |
| USA |
|||||
| Japan |
|||||
| China |
|||||
6. Use the chart to answer the following questions in complete sentences.
a. How does the population and land area of Japan compare to the other countries? Predict some problems that overpopulation may cause in Japan.
b. What was one noticable similarity or difference that you found particularly interesting. Explain.
BEYOND: On a separate sheet of paper, draw the flags of the USA, Japan, China, and your 4th country ( for a model, look on the CIA World Factbook for each country). Then, think of what you already know about Japan from prior knowlege/experiences? Create a K-W-L chart on the back of your paper and list your prior knowledge under the "K" section. Attach this paper to your spiral for future use.