Bento Bako (Discovery Box) is a hands-on, standards-based educational program developed by the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi (JCCH) for K–12 classrooms. Inspired by the traditional bento bako—a metal lunch box commonly used by immigrant laborers on Hawaiʻi’s plantation—the program uses object-based learning, primary sources, and inquiry-driven lessons to support the teaching of Hawaiʻi history, migration, cultural values, community identity, and civic responsibility.

During Hawaiʻi’s plantation era, immigrant workers from Japan and other parts of the world brought their lunches in bento bako (“lunch box” or “packed lunch” in Japanese), carrying not only food but also cultural traditions, family values, and resilience into their daily lives. Bento Bako (Discovery Box) uses this familiar object as a powerful entry point for students to examine the lived experiences of plantation workers and their families, the challenges of labor and migration, and the ways diverse communities shaped Hawaiʻi’s social and cultural landscape.

Bento Bako (Discovery Box) is designed to be flexible and accessible. Educators may use the free, downloadable lesson plans on their own or enhance instruction by checking out a physical “Discovery Box” that includes curated materials and additional resources.

How Bento Bako (Discovery Box) Can Be Used

Bento Bako (Discovery Box) supports classroom instruction across multiple grade levels and subject areas, including Social Studies, Hawaiʻi History, U.S. History, and English Language Arts.

Educators may:

  • Download and implement lesson plans independently
  • Use lessons as stand-alone activities or as part of a larger unit
  • Pair lesson plans with a Bento Bako (Discovery Box) for hands-on exploration
  • Adapt activities for interdisciplinary learning and project-based instruction

Lessons emphasize critical thinking, discussion, writing, creative expression, and historical analysis.

What’s Included

Free Downloadable Lesson Plans

All Bento Bako lesson plans are available at no cost through the JCCH Education TeachersPayTeachers store and include:

  • Teacher guides and background information
  • Student handouts and graphic organizers
  • Inquiry-based classroom activities
  • Writing and creative extensions
  • Assessments and rubrics

Bento Bako (Discovery Box)

The physical Bento Bako (Discovery Box) enhances learning through tactile and visual engagement. Each box includes:

  • Replica artifacts and hands-on materials
  • Books and supplemental resources
  • Activity guides aligned with lesson plans

Where Bento Bako Is Located

Bento Bako (Discovery Box) are housed at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi and are available for educator checkout. They are also available at all Kauaʻi State Public Libraries for checkout. 

Lesson plans and student handouts are available online for free download at Teacherspayteachers.com and may be accessed from anywhere.

Standards Alignment

Bento Bako lesson plans align with the Hawaiʻi State Content and Performance Standards and support instruction across grade levels.

Elementary (Grades K–5)

  • SS.3.3.15.2 – Movement
    Examines why and how people move, migrate, and settle, connecting personal and family histories to immigration in Hawaiʻi.
  • SS.3.3.17.5 – Chronological Thinking
    Uses timelines to understand historical events and cause-and-effect relationships.
  • SS.3.3.14.4 – Interactions and Impact
    Explores how people, values, culture, and environment shape communities in Hawaiʻi.

Middle & High School (Grades 6–12)

  • SS.US.1.16.1 – Migration and Immigration
    Investigates causes and effects of immigration using primary sources and historical narratives.
  • SS.US.8.17.2 – WWII and Domestic Policy
    Analyzes civil liberties and U.S. domestic policy during World War II.
  • SS.PID.3.7.2 / SS.PID.3.17.1 – Participation in Democracy
    Explores civic responsibility, constitutional rights, and the balance between security and freedom.
  • SS.MHH.3.17.3 – Incarceration of Japanese Americans in Hawaiʻi
    Examines Hawaiʻi’s experience during World War II.
  • SS.MHH.3.19.2 – Pearl Harbor Background
    Investigates events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
  • SS.8.3.16.2 – Annexation and U.S. Expansion
    Explores how the United States acquired new territories.
  • SS.2.1.18.3 – Culture and Identity
    Examines community identity through food, storytelling, and shared cultural experiences.

Getting Started

  • Download lesson plans for free through the JCCH Education TeachersPayTeachers store
  • Request a Bento Bako Discovery Box through JCCH for hands-on classroom use
  • Use materials flexibly to meet your students’ needs and curriculum goals