This lesson was created to help elementary-aged students better understand the world around them through the use of Flat Stanley.

Activity: Students will be instructed regarding the Japanese community in Utah, emphasizing Japan Town in SLC. Students will be able to view this community via a Google Earth tour. The instructor will review the Japanese Church of Christ, the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple, and end the tour with a look at the Salt Palace Japanese Garden and reviewing photos from the North American Japanese Garden Association. After being able to see an example of Japanese architecture and landscaping, students will create their own Japanese-inspired communities by drawing or dioramas. Purpose: Students will get to learn about the cultural significance of Japanese buildings and landscaping and the significance of Japantown, SLC. Students will solidify their knowledge and show in a creative formative assessment what characterizes Japanese landscaping and architecture.