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 China and extend their knowledge by researching their own areas within this topic. This book is divided into 4 sections: People, Ideas, Places and Events. Each section contains a broad sampling of topics. Included for each individual topic are a brief narrative of factual background information, a visual to support the narrative, interdisciplinary activities to extend understanding, (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and the Arts) and opportunities for students to create their own activities. Grades 5 and up. 



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

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.1-8.1, 9-10.1, 11-12.1 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.1, 9-10.1, 11-12.1 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.2, 9-10.2, 11-12.2 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.4, 9-10.4, 11-12.4 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.7, 9-10.7, 11-12.7 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.7, 9-10.7, 11-12.7 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.8, 9-10.8, 11-12.8 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.9, 9-10.9, 11-12.9 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.4., 7.4, 8.4, 9-10.4, 11-12.4 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9-10.5, 11-12.5 



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.

*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers 

Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts 

Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C. 

Copyright Date: 2010