Title – Introduction to Greek Mythology
By – Diana Cedillo
Primary Subject – Language Arts
Grade Level – 7-8

Concept / Topic to Teach:

The learner will become familiar with the Greek Mythology family tree and the relationships and responsibilities among the gods.

Texas Essential Knowledge Standards Addressed:

TEKS/ELPS 7.21, 7.22a-b, 7.23a-d, 7.24a-b, 7.25a-d, 7.26, 7.28, 7.44

General Goal: The learner will research a Greek God or Goddess, create a digital story using Photo Story 3, and present their project. Specific Objectives:

• TLW determine, locate, and explore the full range of relevant sources addressing a research question and record information gathered
• TLW clarify research questions and evaluate and synthesize information gathered
• TLW organize and present their ideas according to purpose of research
• TLW use comprehension skills to listen attentively to others in formal and informal settings.
• TLW work productively with others in teams.
• TLW create a digital story about their selected God or Goddess

Required Materials:

Student Materials:
• All students will find two approved print sources in the library about their God/Goddess
• All students will find two approved online sources about their God/Goddess.
• 4 Index cards for each of the sources which will identify proper citations.
• 12 additional index cards to take notes from their sources
• Computer access for Photo Story 3
• Internet connection for approved photos

Teacher Materials:
• Greek Mythology PowerPoint
• Pre-cut names of 35 mythology gods/goddesses or creatures
• List of these same names
• Pearcy Jackson & The Lightning Thief or Clash of the Titans
• Greek Mythology Family Tree to project
• Model of Greek Mythology photo story

Anticipatory Set (Lead-In):

• Spend roughly 5-10 minutes reviewing a PowerPoint about Greek Mythology.
• Then spend two weeks covering a Mythology Unit delving into depth about the relationships and roles of the gods/goddess.
• Culminate the unit by showing Pearcy Jackson & The Lightning Thief or Clash of the Titans .

Step-By-Step Procedures:

• After introducing Greek Mythology, assign a project to students.
• Pre-cut 35 different mythology gods/goddesses or creature names and have students randomly draw one.
• Record their name on a list of these 35 entities to remember who drew whom.
• Spend approximately 30-45 minutes (depending on class size) identifying print and electronic sources.
• After their sources have been identified, students write down notes and important information pertaining to their god/goddess/creature on their index cards.
• Then, they gather all their index cards and start reviewing their notes.
• Once they have a good feel for who their mythological being was, they start creating their digital story.
• Images may be scanned and saved on a pin drive or downloaded from approved internet sites.

Plan For Independent Practice:

• All students will be monitored as they are conducting their research.
• Students will be self-guided and peer-tutored.
• Guidance will be provided if a student needs assistance and their peers cannot answer their question.

Closure:

• Project the Greek Mythology Family Tree so students can see the relationship between the gods.
• Then, project a digital story you created to model what you expect from your students and to reach your auditory and visual learners.
• Kinesthetic learners can reenact their digital story.

Assessment Based On Objectives:

• Student assessment is based on their creation and presentation of their assignment.
• There may also be a quiz to coincide with the unit.

Adaptations:

• Students with learning disabilities will have a modified assignment according to their IEP. A project that represents their capabilities will still be expected.
• Some students may be required to have two sources, while another student may have a much shortened assignment that only includes one source.

Extensions:

• Pre-AP will further elaborate about their God/Goddess and how their role impacted Mythology.
• Pre-AP can work in pairs, however, each student will develop their own story and present their own story (teacher monitored).

Possible Connections To Other Subjects:

• This activity may be connected to a history lesson.
• If Genealogy is covered, perhaps this family tree can be discussed.

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