“​An Interactive Tour of Japan​”
Research and Create an Electronic Map using GoogleMyMap
Audience​: Grades 7 - 8 World Geography Lesson PlanDuration​: 4 class periods are recommended (2 for research, 1.5 for Mapping, and .5 for the Online Gallery)
Objectives​: Students will develop research skills, explore Japanese cultural landmarks, and create an interactive
travel map for a ten day trip to Japan. This student-centered lesson encourages students to interact within a map withthe express purpose of amplifying what they research and learn.
Materials​: Each student will need a ​computer​, access to ​Google Drive​, and it is recommended that students areenrolled in ​Google Classroom​ with the teacher.
Introduction​: In this lesson, students will take on the role of a travel agent who has been hired by a customer toadvise them on where they should travel within Japan. Each student will choose a customer (4 different customers),
research Japanese cultural destinations unique to their customers interests, and then create a customized map
according to their interests. If time permits, students will share their proposals (interactive maps) via an online gallery1.
Since this project is limited to 4 days, students are not expected to research expenses. Students will choose whichcustomer has hired them and then create a map of well matched destinations. Google My Map is a great platform
because it allows viewers to have interactive experiences, which allow them access to Japan’s topography, images,infrastructure, and natural landscape.
This lesson will have 3 different parts: Task #1 - Research, Task #2 - Create map that fuses locations, information,and photos/videos, The final task is for the teacher to share the Online Gallery with all students
Procedure​: Have students look at the document titled “​Overview (For Students)​” They will need to choose acustomer.
Part 1​: Students will research places of interest that cater to the interests of their clients. Before students begin theirresearch, a teacher should model good research practices. Because this is the foundation of the lesson, teachers
should share the template titled “​Task #1 Research (For Students​” to help students research, record, and advertiseplaces of interest. Students will also search for images/videos they can employ within their maps. Prior to students
working independently, teachers may provide examples of ideas/images that complement the interests of eachcustomer, which will act as a springboard for students.
Part 2​: Students will create a Google My Map. Instructions for this part are found in the document titled “​Task #2
Create Google My Map (For Students)​”
Part 3​: This is covered in the document titled “​Google Form/Online Gallery (For Teacher)​.” After students havecompleted their maps, the teacher will make the Online Gallery available to all students and expect students to provide
constructive feedback to their classmates within the Gallery. As students participate, you may require your students toprovide comments and fill out a survey of what they learned and/or which areas of Japan they wish to visit if they evertravel to Japan.

1Creating a gallery is explained in the document, “Google Form/Online Gallery (For Teacher)”