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Teaching Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage, Grades 9-12

May Is Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

By Phil Nast, retired middle school teacher and freelance writer

Found In: Arts, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, 9-12

Article Sections

Lesson Plans

The Japanese American Internment
Students in grades K-12 use primary and secondary sources to learn of the experiences of children and teens in World War II internment camps.

Creating Hawaii
Students in grades K-12 learn about Hawaii’s history and culture by exploring the Smithsonian exhibition, Creating Hawai’i.

Mapping Asia and Making Connections
Students in grades 9-12 map and learn about Asian countries, create a country quiz, and research family history to connect families and classmates to Asia and other parts of the world.

Lessons of the Indian Epics: Following the Dharma
Students in grades 9-12 explore Hindu culture by examining the characters of the Ramayana, and the choices they make.

Haven't I Seen You Somewhere Before? Samsara and karma in the Jataka Tales
Students in grades 9-12 examine the meaning of karma and the related concept of samsara through a reading of the Jataka Tales.

Activities

Asian Art Museum: Education
Search region for K-12 lessons & activities, artwork, video or background information.

Wayfinders: The Game
Learn the skills of wayfinding and see if you can sail “ke,” an ancient Polynesian vessel across the sea.

How to Make a Simple Didgeridoo from PVC
Step by step instructions and related videos. Grades 9-12.

Carving a Bullroarer
Illustrated steps for carving a bullroarer. Grades 9-12.

Background Resources

Teaching Guides

Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month: For Teachers
Primary sources, lesson plans, student activities, collection guides and research aids for grades K-12 – culled from materials at The Library of Congress, National Archives, National Gallery of Art, and other institutions.

Toi Maori: The Eternal Thread ( PDF, 687 KB, 35 pgs.)
This teachers guide provides background on Maori weaving, traditions, materials and techniques.

Lesson Plan Units

Reading & Exploration

Secrets of Easter Island
This companion site to the PBS television series NOVA tells the story of how hundreds of giant stone statues that dominate the island's coast were moved and erected.

Out of House and Home
Examines the impact a growing human population had the environment of Rapa Nui (Easter Island).

Wayfinders: A Pacific Odyssey
Learn about Wayfinding – navigating on the open ocean without sextant, compass, clock, radio reports, or satellites reports – and Pacific Island geography, culture, history, archaeology, linguistics and celestial navigation.

Data & Statistics

Art

Art History

Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Provides separate timelines for Oceania, South and South East Asia.

The Art of South and Southeast Asia
This book, available in PDF format, introduces works of art from South and Southeast Asian collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Arts of Korea: A Resource for Educators
This book, available in PDF format, introduces Korea's artistic achievement and places it in the context of its history and religions.

Exhibits & Collections

Quizzes

Geography

History, Politics & Culture

Printables

 

last updated: April 29, 2013

 

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