Jordan's family planned a trip to Japan. Before going Jordan learnt about the different currency and what the exchange rate was. he was able to find Japan on the world globe and knew that Japan was in the Northern hemisphere. He also explored the time zone and compared the difference in land mass compared to Australia. Jordan then looked at the population how many people populate Japan land mass compared to Australia. he looked at the history of the chop sticks. Prior to going Jordan was engaged in the planning of the flights, stop overs, the places they were going to visit and things that they were going to need to take. He found out that they needed to take an adapter for the power so that they could charge their phones etc. His mum talked to him about how the toilets might be a bit different and how they may have to sleep on the floor some times. She also talked to him about an Onsen and prepared him for that experience. They discovered that there were cat restaurants - where cats just roamed around the restaurant and liked to be fed. Jordan was most keen about going to Fuji Q Highlands and going on the roller coasters. He was so excited about going that he found it very difficult to sleep several nights before they left. Jordan decided that he was going to do some vlogging while he was away. / Subject Explorer

Art

• Jordan could create a travel journal with drawings and paintings of the places they visit in Japan.
• Jordan could learn about traditional Japanese art forms such as origami or calligraphy and create his own artworks using these techniques.
• Jordan could research and create a collage of famous landmarks in Japan.
• Jordan could create a photo montage using pictures taken during his trip to Japan.

English Language Arts

• Jordan could write a fictional story set in Japan, incorporating the cultural aspects he learned about.
• Jordan could write a persuasive essay convincing someone to visit Japan based on his research and experiences.
• Jordan could create a travel brochure for Japan, highlighting the places he visited and the cultural experiences he had.
• Jordan could write a reflective journal entry about his experience at the Fuji Q Highlands and riding the roller coasters.

History

• Jordan could research and write a report on the history of Japan, focusing on important events and influential figures.
• Jordan could create a timeline of Japanese history, highlighting key moments and their significance.
• Jordan could compare and contrast the historical development of Japan and Australia, noting similarities and differences.
• Jordan could research and create a presentation on the history and cultural significance of chopsticks in Japan.

Math

• Jordan could calculate the exchange rate between Japanese yen and Australian dollars, and create a budget for his trip.
• Jordan could research and compare the population densities of Japan and Australia using data and create graphs to represent the information.
• Jordan could calculate the time difference between Japan and Australia, and plan his activities accordingly.
• Jordan could measure the land mass of Japan and Australia using a map or globe, and calculate the difference in size.

Science

• Jordan could research and learn about the technology used in Japan, such as the power adapter he needed for his trip.
• Jordan could study the geological features of Mount Fuji and learn about the science behind volcanoes.
• Jordan could research and learn about the environmental challenges faced by Japan, such as overpopulation and pollution.
• Jordan could explore the concept of biomes and study the different ecosystems found in Japan.

Social Studies

• Jordan could research and compare the cultural traditions and customs of Japan and Australia, and create a Venn diagram to show the similarities and differences.
• Jordan could create a presentation on the cultural significance of onsens in Japan, and their role in Japanese society.
• Jordan could research and learn about the cat cafes in Japan, exploring the cultural phenomenon and its popularity.
• Jordan could research and create a travel itinerary for his family's trip to Japan, including information about the places they will visit and the cultural experiences they will have.

To further develop the concepts learned from this activity, Jordan could continue exploring the culture, history, and geography of Japan. He could try cooking and tasting traditional Japanese cuisine, learn basic Japanese phrases, or even research and create presentations about other aspects of Japanese culture such as traditional festivals or martial arts. Additionally, Jordan could use his vlogging skills to document and share his experiences in Japan, creating educational and entertaining content for others to learn from.

Book Recommendations

• Lost in Tokyo by Robin Wasserman: A middle-grade novel about a girl who gets separated from her tour group in Tokyo and has to navigate the city on her own.
• The Big Wave by Pearl S. Buck: A historical fiction novel set in Japan, exploring the impact of a tsunami on a small coastal village.
• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett: A mystery novel that takes place in Chicago but includes references to Japanese art and culture.