"Let's Try On Japan"

A WebQuest for 3rd-5th Grade Social Studies

Introduction:

"Let's Try on a Kimono.", would be a familiar statement for a tourist in Japan. Pretend that you are a tourist in Japan and wanted to know about Japanese dress, particularly, the kimono. After discovering why and when the Japanese wear kimonos, you will be able to create a brochure about Japanese dress and create your own kimono to present to the class.

The Tasks:

On this Kimono Webquest, you will learn history and traditions of the Japanese for your brochure and traditional Japanese dress to design your own costume.
        *You will explore history sites.
        *You will learn why and when Japanese wear Kimonos.
        *You will explore several types and designs of Kimonos.
        *You will create your own Kimono.

The Process:

While using this Webquest, you will utilize the following Internet sites to explore these activities. Listed below are links that can be used to help explore the world of Japanese for your brochure and create your own costume.

1. History of Kimonos has been designed to define the word kimono and tell you why the Japanese wear them. You will fold the given paper in half and label the left side History of Kimonos. On your folded paper, in paragraph form, define the word kimono and explain where the kimono comes from.
2. Occasions for Wearing Kimonos should be used to learn occasions the Japanese wear kimonos. Halfway down the page under the history, label this section Occasions for Wearing Kimonos and name 4 occasions the Japanese wear kimonos and the type of kimono.
3. Kimono Types and Designs show sample fabrics and shows how each piece should be cut down to the inch. A piece of fabric should be how many inches wide and centimeters long? Using the sample cloth, measure the fabric using the given measuring tape and draw a black line on the cloth to mark your measurements. Determine how many pieces should be used. Name the two types of fabric that the Japanese use to make kimonos.
4. Now that you have gained knowledge about the kimono, it is time to show your skills. Visit Kimono Shape Book, it gets you started on designing your own costume. You will need to print this page and begin your creation. You will cut and paste your creation on the right side of your brochure. You will give an oral presentation of your creative skills. Be able to tell us why you chose this particular kimono design.
5. It is now time for you to visit Kids Web Plaza. It creates a world of educational fun activities to enhance your knowledge of Japanese clothes and traditions.

The Evaluation:

Your performance will be evaluated on Process 1-4. You will be given paper and materials to complete this assignment. You will be able to decorate the front of your brochure as you choose. However, you must complete these activities first. You will then present your oral presentation at the designated time. Your grade is based on individual performance using this rubric.

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4
Content Paragraph	Includes little information about the subject and folds paper correctly.	Includes some essential information and folds paper correctly.	Gives enough information about the kimono where the reader has some understanding and folds paper correctly.	Defines the word kimono correctly and the purpose of the kimono and folds paper correctly.
Demonstrates knowledge of kimono types and occasions.	Provides very little information for occasions.	Presents occasions only.	Names 4 occasions and some types.	Names 4 occasions and the type of each.
Organization/Performance	Shows little or no effort for task.	Answers each question, but lacks fabric demonstration skill.	Answers each question and shows some understanding of measurements.	Answers each question and measures fabric adequately.
Oral Presentation of Design/Creativity of Brochure	Completes task.	Completes task and able to tell why particular design was chosen.	Very well organized, creative and able to tell why they chose this particular design.	Very well organized, creative, good expression, able to tell why they chose this particular design.

Conclusion:

After exploring all of these weblinks, you should know all about Japanese traditions and kimonos as well as designing your own. You will be able to show your brochure to anybody of another culture and they will understand the history and traditions of the kimono.

Credits & References:

Thank you to Ah! Kimono and KimonoTop for the images.

Teacher Advice:

This Webquest is designed for 3rd-5th grade levels. It involves social studies, math and some art skills. Before using this Webquest, your students may want to explore Japanese culture. It would be good for a Japanese Culture Theme Unit. The lesson can be completed and evaluated in five days. You may have to provide the materials for creating/designing the kimonos. This particular activity should be done individually.

Created for EDU 506 @ FHU School of Education by Ms. Keisha M. Todd on June 25, 2001 and updated on July 2, 2001.