A unit of work for students ages 10 to 12 years incorporating Human Society and Its Environment, Logical thinking, Research Skills using the Library and Computer Technology.

Background

Your parents work for the Australian Government and have been successful in gaining a transfer in their work to Japan. The whole family is going on the assignment which will last for two years. They have a choice of three cities to work in:- Tokyo, Nagasaki and Kyoto.

The family (Mum, Dad, 7 year old brother, 15 year old sister and yourself) have a family discussion on which city to live in. The following criteria was decided on and prioritised:

1. An International School for the children;

2. A suitable climate (7 year old brother suffers from asthma);

3. Good transport;

4. Good shopping.

Your Task

Considering the criteria, research Japan and the cities of Tokyo, Nagasaki and Kyoto. Work with a partner so you can discuss the outcomes you find. Use the scale below to rank the criteria with the cities. This will help you to decide which city you will live in.

Scaling

International School: 1st 15 points, 2nd 10 points & 3rd 5 points.

Suitable Climate: 1st 12 points, 8 points & 3rd 4 points.

Good Transport: 1st 9 points, 2nd 6 points & 3rd 3 points.

Good Shopping: 1st 6 points, 2nd 4 points & 3rd 2 points.

Where do I find the Information?

The School Library or Local Town Library
Japanese Embassy
Tourist or Travel Agencies
Helpful www Links

Present your findings in the form of a slideshow using Kid Pix, Clarisworks/Appleworks , Powerpoint or Claris Homepage, Hyperstudio or similar.
Your presentation must include:

1. a map of Japan showing the three cities
2. pictures or photographs
3. the final ranking of each city
4. your reasons for this ranking
5. involvement by all team members