Under the Blood Red Sun

A WebQuest for fifth Grade

Introduction:

Under the Blood Red Sun, winner of numerous awards, including the 1994 Scott O'Dell Award, is a historical fiction novel by Graham Salisbury. In the setting of Hawaii during World War II, we are introduced to a Japanese American family, the Nakajis. They face many struggles as their neighbors question their loyalty to America. This webquest will provide an opportunity to better understand World War II, the Japanese culture, and the struggles faced by Japanese Americans in the 1940s.

Contents

Scroll down and Look at each of the activities. Choose which activities interest you the most.

  • Pearl Harbor: Interview and timeline
  • Japanese Culture: Create a poster
  • Internment Camps: Write a letter to a friend

Pearl Harbor

You are now a reporter trying to find information about World War II. You are to interview a family member, or friend who was alive during this time period. Find out everything that you can about the War, including specific events which led up to the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

  • Create at least seven (7) questions for your interview.
  • Use these questions as examples and write 4 questions of your own.
  • Where did you live during the war?
  • How old were you when the bombing of Pearl Harbor occurred?
  • What changes occurred in American during the war?
  • How did you feel about the war?

Once you have collected your information create a timeline about the events which led to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, starting with the Nazi invasion of Poland.

Check out these websites for assistance:

Japanese Culture Display

After you finish reading chapter 4, consider this project:

The Japanese culture influenced Tomi's family, particularly his grandfather. What do you know about the Japanese culture? Explore this website to learn more about Japan including food, art, history, and tradition.

search Japan

Make a poster that shows different aspects of the Japanese culture and explain them. Include Japanese style of clothing, types of food,traditions, language, and anything else that you find interesting. Remember to look for some Japanese words that you may have noticed in the novel!

Internment Camps

Following the Japanese invasion of Pearl Harbor, American distrust of the Japanese Americans grew. As a result of the hostile relations many Japanese Americans were placed in relocation camps throughout the United States. Tomi's father was one of the thousands placed in these camps. Using the following websites and your book, pretend that you are in one of these camps and write a letter to a friend. Describe feelings and conditions of the environment. Make sure that factual information is developed along with some creativity in your letter. Remember to include the following in your letter:

  • Write three paragraphs. Each paragraph should have at least five sentences.
  • Write the letter in first person. This letter is about you!
  • You may make up a name for yourself and be sure to include your feelings and descriptions of the camp.

Check out these websites for your information:

Evaluation

Under the Blood Red Sun Rubric

Excellent (10-9) / Good (8-7) / Needs Improvement (6-0)
Organization / Project is very well organized, presented in a logical, sequencial order. / Some sequence and order is present. / Project lacks logical or sequential order throughout.
Accuracy / All information that is presented is correct. / Most information presented is correct. / Little or no information presented is correct.
Writing Mechanics / Less than 3 errors in grammar and spelling. Letter includes 3 paragraphs of 5 sentences each, is written in first person, describes feelings, and gives descriptions. / Between 3-6 errors in grammar and spelling. Letter has 10-15 sentences, is written in first person, and gives minimal descriptions of feelings and the camp. / More than 6 errors in grammar and spelling. Letter has less than 10 sentences, is not written in first person, and does not include sufficient descriptions of feelings and the camp.
Creativity / Ideas are presented in a unique and interesting manner. / Project is well done, but lacks a unique, creative format. / Ideas presented in an unexciting manner.
Neatness / Neatness throughout project goes above and beyond expectations. / Project is easy to read and clear. Artwork matches minimum expectations. / Project is difficult to read and artwork is poorly prepared.

______

Conclusion

Way to go!!As a result of completing this webquest, you should have a clearer understanding of World War II (especially Pearl Harbor), Japanese culture, and the treatment of Japanese Americans during this time period (relocation camps). Hopefully you have also brushed up on your internet researching skills.