Space and Behavior: A Classroom Simulation
Focus Question
How does the geography of Japan have social, personal and economic implications?
Student Performance Objectives
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to identify the effects of cramped space upon the Japanese
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to explain the need to cooperate in order to survive
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to propose a hypothesis which links space and behavior
Teacher Background
This geography lesson utilizes a simulation to dramatically illustrate
the effects of limited land resources on the Japanese mentality.
Teacher Tips
The following guidelines will help you conduct effective simulations
exercises:
Keep activities short and simple.
Arrange the classroom before students arrive.
Give students clear directions and communicate expectations.
Know when to stop and take advantage of the "teachable moment."
Procedure
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Arrange classroom with all the chairs clustered together in as tight a
space as possible. LEAVE NO SPACE BETWEEN CHAIRS.
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As students walk in, direct them to walk quietly to their chairs and sit
down. Announce Do Not Move The Chairs!
Part 1
Ask students to do a 3 minute "free-write" on the following:
"Sitting like this, I feel..."
Encourage students to identify and articulate their feelings. Let students
know that their feelings are okay. Process and summarize responses on chalkboard.
Part 2
Again, Do Not Move The Chairs! Direct students' attention to
the chalkboard which contains the following scenario:
You have been growing up in an environment like this classroom. Because
space is at a premium, you and your family have had to adapt. Work with
the two people immediately next to you and list as many ways as possible
in which living in such a small area would impact on or change your lives.
You have 15 minutes to finish.
Debrief student responses on chalkboard. Explain to students that the Japanese
generally live in cramped quarters according to American standards. Rooms
are measured in terms of tatami (straw) mats. A tatami mat
measures 3' x 6'. The effects of living in close proximity to others has
a profound impact on the Japanese people. Slow slides of Japanese streets
and homes.
Summary
Write an essay explaining how the personality and behavior of peoples
who live in a country with abundant space and abundant resources would
be different from that of Japan.
Application
Take a cartoon strip from any Sunday newspaper and white out the balloons.
Create a conversation between two people-one from Japan and one from a
country such as the United States.
Enrichment
Have students watch the film Gung Ho and analyze it from the
perspective of how geography has affected the cultures of the peoples of
Japan and the United States.
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