This website provides an overview of the methods of construction, layout, and defense and offense, as well as a glossary of terms. This tour includes information on the hall, the kitchen, the living quarters, the chapel, the garrison, and the hearth as well as include links so you can explore further into Vir-Ren Castle. In this lesson, students will identify basic designs of a castle and their functions, see the similarities and differences of the typical Japanese and European castle, and summarize the development of the feudal Japanese castle. Here are lesson plans and resources for a unit on castles. This curriculum article provides ideas for educational fun as students explore life in the Middle Ages.
Students make stained glass, design tapestries, create heraldic shields, and perform a mystery play.
Here is a lesson that integrates science and social studies. Students construct a working trebuchet to demonstrate how a lever works.