Resources for Grades 6-8
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.
Teaching Pacific Islands From Indigenous Perspectives
A Teacher's Resource Guide with 8 lessons.
Cultural Comparison: a look at Vietnam and USA Studies in Cultural Prejudice and Differences
Students in grades 7-10 compare the culture of Vietnam and the United States.
What Are We Supposed to Learn from a Korean Folktale?
This lesson from the National Consortium for Teaching About Asia–Ohio will help students develop an understanding for traditional Korean values through their folktales and appreciate the diverse culture and traditions through Korean folktales.
Koinobori: Japanese Carp Windsocks or Kites
Use this lesson plan to help students create their own Japanese kites and discuss the cultural importance of Children's Day in Japan.
Mini-Lessons from iCivics
Find materials to teach 3 mini-lessons on Asian Americans whose quest for justice reached the Supreme Court and changed America's laws. United States v. Wong Kim Ark, Korematsu v. United States, and Lau v. Nichols are covered. (requires free iCivics account).
I.M. Pei and the Geometry of the National Gallery of Art
Explore geometry and architecture in this lesson, where students first compare and contrast design elements in neoclassical and modern architecture using the National Gallery of Art’s West and East Buildings. Students will also design a geometric pattern using I.M. Pei’s polygons and consider the role of geometry in designing and planning buildings and cities.
Advocating for Curriculum Inclusion
OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates recently launched their K-12 AANHPI Curriculum Project to help promote the inclusion of AANHPI history and culture into school curricula. The site includes strategies for advocating for inclusion and will eventually house a database of lessons and resources for educators.
Activities
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Explore AANHPI history, art, and culture through the Smithsonian's museum experiences and digital initiatives. Of particular interest for educators is the Learning Together section, which features interviews with Asian American and Pacific Islander community members, links to community-created educational resources, book recommendations, discussion ideas, lesson activities, and more.
Asian Art Museum: Education
Search region for K-12 lessons & activities, artwork, video or background information.
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
This teachers guide provides background on Maori weaving, traditions, materials and techniques.
After Atlanta: Teaching About Asian American Identity and History
A Learning for Justice author shares the conversation she started with students the day after the attacks in Atlanta and recommends resources anyone can use to teach about Asian American history and identity.
Educator's Guide for Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II
Lesson Plan Units
Five Sites for Lesson Plans and Teaching Materials on China
Reading and Exploration
NEA's Read Across America Recommended Book List of Asian American and Pacific Islander Titles
Share these stories that celebrate major figures and read telling titles about the lives of everyday men, women, and children.
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.
The Fate of Easter Island
Examines the impact a growing human population had the environment of Rapa Nui (Easter Island).
Data and Statistics
Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage Month from the U.S. Census.
You can also access a downloadable pdf and a teaching guide.
Asian Pacific Americans by the Numbers (Infoplease)
Art
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Provides separate timelines for Oceania, regions of 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
Video
Find clips and background materials on PBS American Experience's documentary on the Chinese Exclusion Act.
