Project Description: The International Project is a year long experience designed to teach students the value of using technology-based resources to learn about and work with other cultures of the world. Port Angeles middle school students will use Web page, e-mail, video, GPS, and GIS communication tools to build relationships between themselves and students of Mutsu City, Japan.

As relationships develop, students will use their skills and knowledge to create a Web site comparing and contrasting the similarities and differences between Japanese and American cultures. Through the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) data sets, students will be able to build an extensive resource base for others to research and appreciate. Students will study topics such as values and beliefs, traditions, economics, governments, education, geography, recreational activities, language, history, food, art, transportation, environment.

This project will not only teach students advanced technology skills, a second language, great cultural understanding, but it will prepare them for jobs in a global marketplace while instilling in them the importance of global networking and of developing lifelong relationships.

It is with the above focus that the youth of our world can begin to unite. They must be prepared for exploring new frontiers yet undiscovered while also being taught the quality and uniqueness of culture.

Objectives:

1. Students will receive in-depth training about the Japanese culture.
2. Students will learn the Japanese language so that they can communicate in an effective manor with Japanese speaking students.
3. Students will develop International relationships.
4. Students will learn to host a guest from a Japan.
5. Students will learn how to use ArcView GIS software.
6. Students will find, plot, identify, photograph, and record the history and important information about 8 cultural points of interest in both Mutsu City, Japan and Port Angeles, Washington.
7. Students will create GIS data sets using the above data.
8. Students will create comparable cultural data sets to be posted on the International Project Web site.
9. Students will learn how to use the internet to do research.
10. Students will learn how to create Web based portfios using HTML.
11. Students will be able to utilize GPS devices and GPS data.
12. Students will learn to fundraise for a large scale project.
13. Students will learn to function in professional environments.
14. Students will learn about internaional travel.
15. Students will learn to think globally to solve world problems.
16. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the curriculum by creating a Web based portfolio documenting their knowledge and skills and by successfully completing the year long project.