Ancient GreeceAncient GreeceGrade 7Grade 7

By Sabrina Kilbourne and Amy By Sabrina Kilbourne and Amy WarnerWarner

IntroductionIntroduction

This unit will introduce students to This unit will introduce students to the mythological characters and the mythological characters and culture of Ancient Greece. This culture of Ancient Greece. This lesson will take approximately ten lesson will take approximately ten class periods and will be used in a 7class periods and will be used in a 7thth grade world history classroom.grade world history classroom.

ObjectivesObjectives

Students will:Students will:– Study mythological characters of Ancient Study mythological characters of Ancient

Greece and compare and contrast.Greece and compare and contrast.– Discuss group readings and individual Discuss group readings and individual

research of Greek mythologyresearch of Greek mythology– Use the internet, library, and in-class Use the internet, library, and in-class

resources to discover basic elements of resources to discover basic elements of Greek mythology. Share verbally what they Greek mythology. Share verbally what they have learned about Greek mythology in a have learned about Greek mythology in a guided-question group discussionguided-question group discussion

Objectives Continued…Objectives Continued…

Students will:Students will:– Create, illustrate, and write about their Create, illustrate, and write about their

own mythological characterown mythological character– Create watercolor illustrations, write short Create watercolor illustrations, write short

stories about their created character, and stories about their created character, and relate it to a specific element of relate it to a specific element of mythologymythology

– Be able to present their mythological Be able to present their mythological character during a group discussioncharacter during a group discussion

– Write a 1-2 page paper identifying their Write a 1-2 page paper identifying their character’s special abilitiescharacter’s special abilities

Day 1Day 1

Introduce Greek mythology using PPTIntroduce Greek mythology using PPT Discuss research project with Discuss research project with

overhead of the rubricoverhead of the rubric Break students into research groupsBreak students into research groups

ContentContent

VocabularyVocabulary– Myth: comes from the Greek word “mythos,” which Myth: comes from the Greek word “mythos,” which

originally meant “speech” or “discourse” but which later originally meant “speech” or “discourse” but which later came to mean “fable” or “legend”came to mean “fable” or “legend”

– Mythology: refers to a collection of myths that together Mythology: refers to a collection of myths that together form a mythological systemform a mythological system

– Demigod: a half god or an inferior deity; a fabulous hero, Demigod: a half god or an inferior deity; a fabulous hero, the offspring of a deity and a mortal (example: Herakles)the offspring of a deity and a mortal (example: Herakles)

– Attributes: that which is attributed: a quality that is Attributes: that which is attributed: a quality that is considered as belonging to, or inherent in a person or considered as belonging to, or inherent in a person or thing; an essential or necessary property or characteristicthing; an essential or necessary property or characteristic

– Symbol: something that represents something else by Symbol: something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or conventionassociation, resemblance, or convention

ContentContent

Creation of the Olympian GodsCreation of the Olympian Gods– In the beginning there was an empty darkness. In the beginning there was an empty darkness.

The only thing in this void was Nyx, a bird with The only thing in this void was Nyx, a bird with black wings. black wings.

– With the wind she laid a golden egg and for ages With the wind she laid a golden egg and for ages she sat upon this egg. Finally life began to stir in she sat upon this egg. Finally life began to stir in the egg and out of it rose Eros, the god of love. the egg and out of it rose Eros, the god of love. One half of the shell rose into the air and One half of the shell rose into the air and became the sky and the other became the Earth. became the sky and the other became the Earth.

– Eros named the sky Uranus and the Earth he Eros named the sky Uranus and the Earth he named named GaeaGaea. Then Eros made them fall in love. . Then Eros made them fall in love.

ContentContent

Uranus and Uranus and Gaea Gaea had many children had many children together called Titans. together called Titans.

Some of their children become afraid of Some of their children become afraid of the power of their children. Kronus, in an the power of their children. Kronus, in an effort to protect himself, swallowed his effort to protect himself, swallowed his children when they were still infants. children when they were still infants.

His wife Rhea hid their youngest child. She His wife Rhea hid their youngest child. She gave him a rock wrapped in swaddling gave him a rock wrapped in swaddling clothes, which he swallowed, thinking it clothes, which he swallowed, thinking it was his son, Zeus. was his son, Zeus.

ContentContent

Once the child, Zeus, had reached manhood Once the child, Zeus, had reached manhood his mother instructed him on how to trick his his mother instructed him on how to trick his father to give up his brothers and sisters. father to give up his brothers and sisters.

Once this was accomplished the children Once this was accomplished the children fought a mighty war against their father and fought a mighty war against their father and the other Titans. the other Titans.

After much fighting the younger generation After much fighting the younger generation won. With Zeus as their leader, they began won. With Zeus as their leader, they began to furnish to furnish GaeaGaea with life and Uranus with with life and Uranus with stars. stars.

ContentContent Soon the Earth lacked only two things: man and Soon the Earth lacked only two things: man and

animals. Zeus summoned his sons Prometheus animals. Zeus summoned his sons Prometheus (fore-thought) and Epimetheus (after-thought). He (fore-thought) and Epimetheus (after-thought). He told them to go to Earth and create men and told them to go to Earth and create men and animals and give them each a gift. animals and give them each a gift.

Prometheus set to work forming men in the image Prometheus set to work forming men in the image of the gods and Epimetheus worked on the animals. of the gods and Epimetheus worked on the animals. As Epimetheus worked he gave each animal he As Epimetheus worked he gave each animal he created one of the gifts. created one of the gifts.

After Epimetheus had completed his work After Epimetheus had completed his work Prometheus finally finished making men. However Prometheus finally finished making men. However when he went to see what gift to give man when he went to see what gift to give man Epimetheus shamefacedly informed him that he Epimetheus shamefacedly informed him that he had foolishly used all the gifts. had foolishly used all the gifts.

ContentContent Distressed, Prometheus decided he had to give Distressed, Prometheus decided he had to give

man fire, even though gods were the only ones man fire, even though gods were the only ones meant to have access to it. As the sun god rode meant to have access to it. As the sun god rode out into the world the next morning Prometheus out into the world the next morning Prometheus took some of the fire and brought it back to man. took some of the fire and brought it back to man.

When Zeus discovered Prometheus' deed he When Zeus discovered Prometheus' deed he became furious. He ordered his son to be chained became furious. He ordered his son to be chained to a mountain and for a vulture to peck out his to a mountain and for a vulture to peck out his liver every day till eternity. liver every day till eternity.

Then he began to devise a punishment for Then he began to devise a punishment for mankind. Another of his sons created a woman of mankind. Another of his sons created a woman of great beauty, Pandora. Each of the gods gave her great beauty, Pandora. Each of the gods gave her a gift. Zeus' present was curiosity and a box a gift. Zeus' present was curiosity and a box which he ordered her never to open. Then he which he ordered her never to open. Then he presented her to Epimetheus as a wife. presented her to Epimetheus as a wife.

ContentContent Pandora's life with Epimetheus was happy except for her Pandora's life with Epimetheus was happy except for her

intense longing to open the box. She was convinced that intense longing to open the box. She was convinced that because the gods and goddesses had showered so many because the gods and goddesses had showered so many glorious gifts upon her that this one would also be glorious gifts upon her that this one would also be wonderful. One day when Epimetheus was gone she wonderful. One day when Epimetheus was gone she opened the box. opened the box.

Out of the box flew all of the horrors which plague the world Out of the box flew all of the horrors which plague the world today - pain, sickness, envy, greed. Upon hearing Pandora's today - pain, sickness, envy, greed. Upon hearing Pandora's screams Epimetheus rushed home and fastened the lid screams Epimetheus rushed home and fastened the lid shut, but all of the evils had already escaped. shut, but all of the evils had already escaped.

Later that night they heard a voice coming from the box Later that night they heard a voice coming from the box saying, saying, "Let me out. I am hope." "Let me out. I am hope."

Pandora and Epimetheus released her and she flew out into Pandora and Epimetheus released her and she flew out into the world to give hope to humankind. the world to give hope to humankind.

ContentContentGreek NameGreek Name Roman NameRoman Name DescriptionDescription

ZeusZeus JupiterJupiter God of the Sky and King of the God of the Sky and King of the GodsGods

HeraHera JunoJuno Goddess of Marriage and Goddess of Marriage and ChildbirthChildbirth

PoseidonPoseidon NeptuneNeptune God of the SeaGod of the Sea

HadesHades PlutoPluto God of the UnderworldGod of the Underworld

AthenaAthena MinervaMinerva Goddess of Wisdom and WarGoddess of Wisdom and War

ApolloApollo ApolloApollo God of the Sun and MusicGod of the Sun and Music

ArtemisArtemis DianaDiana Goddess of Wild Things, HuntressGoddess of Wild Things, Huntress

AphroditeAphrodite VenusVenus Goddess of Love and BeautyGoddess of Love and Beauty

HermesHermes MercuryMercury Messenger of the Gods, God of Messenger of the Gods, God of CommerceCommerce

AresAres MarsMars God of WarGod of War

HephaestusHephaestus VulcanVulcan God of the Forge and FireGod of the Forge and Fire

HestiaHestia VestaVesta Goddess of the Hearth, Home, Goddess of the Hearth, Home, and Fertilityand Fertility

DemeterDemeter CeresCeres Goddess of Corn, Earth, and Goddess of Corn, Earth, and HarvestHarvest

DionysusDionysus BacchusBacchus God of the Vine, Wine, MerrimentGod of the Vine, Wine, Merriment

Day 2Day 2

Discuss Greek mythology using PPTDiscuss Greek mythology using PPT The class will read together The class will read together Book of Book of

Greek Myths Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar by Ingri and Edgar D’AulaireD’Aulaire

Students will be led in a guided Students will be led in a guided discussion regarding readingsdiscussion regarding readings

Days 3 & 4Days 3 & 4

Students will be in the library/computer Students will be in the library/computer lab to do research and fill in their lab to do research and fill in their Mythological Characters ChartMythological Characters Chart

For homework, students will be For homework, students will be required to write one paragraph about required to write one paragraph about a mythological god/goddess of their a mythological god/goddess of their choice explaining what they learned choice explaining what they learned from their research about that from their research about that character.character.

Day 5Day 5

Turn in “Mythological Characters Chart”Turn in “Mythological Characters Chart” Begin written activityBegin written activity

– Students will break into their groups and Students will break into their groups and create their own mythological character. create their own mythological character.

– The character must have one symbol and one The character must have one symbol and one attribute and they must be accompanied by an attribute and they must be accompanied by an explanation of the significance of their explanation of the significance of their charactercharacter

– Students will use their handout as a reference Students will use their handout as a reference for examples. for examples.

– Each student will write one page explaining Each student will write one page explaining their mythological character.their mythological character.

Day 6Day 6

Go to Go to http://www.metmuseum.org/Works_Of_Art/http://www.metmuseum.org/Works_Of_Art/department.asp?dep=13department.asp?dep=13

Look at several art pieces depicting Look at several art pieces depicting mythological characters and students mythological characters and students must answer the following questions (no must answer the following questions (no right or wrong answer)right or wrong answer)– How do you interpret this artwork? (What do How do you interpret this artwork? (What do

you think when you see it?) you think when you see it?) – Thinking back to your research, what Thinking back to your research, what

mythological characters do you think each mythological characters do you think each piece of artwork represents and why?piece of artwork represents and why?

Days 7 & 8Days 7 & 8

After viewing the artwork students After viewing the artwork students will be required to create their own will be required to create their own depiction of the mythological depiction of the mythological characters they created in their characters they created in their groups using watercolor. They must groups using watercolor. They must illustrate they key points.illustrate they key points.

Review key points: one character, Review key points: one character, one symbol, one attribute, and the one symbol, one attribute, and the significance of their character. significance of their character.

Day 9Day 9

Students will share their Students will share their mythological character painting with mythological character painting with the class, explaining the attribute the class, explaining the attribute and symbol and what the character and symbol and what the character means to them. means to them.

Day 10Day 10

Students will complete a short Students will complete a short vocabulary quiz (vocabulary was vocabulary quiz (vocabulary was brought in during the introduction)brought in during the introduction)

As a group, the class will discuss:As a group, the class will discuss:– What is a myth?What is a myth?– Which of the characters that we studied Which of the characters that we studied

did you find most interesting? Why?did you find most interesting? Why?– How are these myths reflected in our How are these myths reflected in our

culture?culture?

EvaluationEvaluation Five example multiple choice questionsFive example multiple choice questions

1.1. Myth means:Myth means:a.a. Fable or legendFable or legendb.b. God-likeGod-likec.c. ForgottenForgotten

2.2. Zeus is the God of:Zeus is the God of:a.a. The mountainsThe mountainsb.b. The skyThe skyc.c. WarWar

3.3. Mars is the Roman counterpart to the Greek god:Mars is the Roman counterpart to the Greek god:a.a. ApolloApollob.b. DionysusDionysusc.c. AresAres

EvaluationEvaluation

ContinuedContinued4. A demi-god is: 4. A demi-god is:

a. A god with the name demi.a. A god with the name demi. b. Half-human, half-godb. Half-human, half-god c. A god that has somehow been killed. c. A god that has somehow been killed.

5. Hades is the god of:5. Hades is the god of:a. The underworlda. The underworldb. Waterb. Waterc. Heavenc. Heaven

EvaluationEvaluation

ObjectiveObjective

– 1. Choose 1 God or Goddess and 1. Choose 1 God or Goddess and explain how their myth is portrayed in explain how their myth is portrayed in today's society.today's society.

– 2. Identify the Titans.2. Identify the Titans.

EvaluationEvaluation MatchingMatching

– 1. Aphrodite a. Goddess of the Corn, Earth, and Harvest1. Aphrodite a. Goddess of the Corn, Earth, and Harvest– 2. Apollo b. God of the Sky, King of the Gods2. Apollo b. God of the Sky, King of the Gods– 3. Ares c. God fo the Forge and Fire3. Ares c. God fo the Forge and Fire– 4. Artemis d. Goddess of Marriage, Queen of the Gods4. Artemis d. Goddess of Marriage, Queen of the Gods– 5. Athena e. God of the Sea5. Athena e. God of the Sea– 6. Demeter f. God of the Underworld6. Demeter f. God of the Underworld– 7. Dionysus g. Goddess of Wisdom and War7. Dionysus g. Goddess of Wisdom and War– 8. Hades h. Goddess of Wild Things and the Moon8. Hades h. Goddess of Wild Things and the Moon– 9. Hephaestus i. God of the Sun and Music9. Hephaestus i. God of the Sun and Music– 10. Hera j. God of Commerce and Messenger of the 10. Hera j. God of Commerce and Messenger of the

Gods Gods – 11. Hermes k. Goddess of the Hearth and Home11. Hermes k. Goddess of the Hearth and Home– 12. Hestia l. Goddess of Love and Beauty12. Hestia l. Goddess of Love and Beauty– 13. Poseidon m. God of War13. Poseidon m. God of War– 14. Zeus n. God of the Vine, Wine, and Merriment14. Zeus n. God of the Vine, Wine, and Merriment

Student ResourcesStudent ResourcesBooksBooks

The Ancient Greeks (People of the Ancient World) by Allison Lassieur. Franklin Watts March 2005The Ancient Greeks (People of the Ancient World) by Allison Lassieur. Franklin Watts March 2005– Explores the culture of Ancient Greece.Explores the culture of Ancient Greece.

Greek Gods and Heroes. Robert Graves. Laurel Leaf; Reissue edition (October 15, 1965) Greek Gods and Heroes. Robert Graves. Laurel Leaf; Reissue edition (October 15, 1965) – Book of Greek myths.Book of Greek myths.

Gods and Goddesses in Greek Mythology. Michelle M. Houle, William Sauts Bock. Enslow Publishers Gods and Goddesses in Greek Mythology. Michelle M. Houle, William Sauts Bock. Enslow Publishers (March 2001) (March 2001)

– Explores Greek culture and mythology.Explores Greek culture and mythology. History Pockets, Ancient Greece – Activity BookHistory Pockets, Ancient Greece – Activity Book

– Book of reproducible materials for students about Ancient GreekBook of reproducible materials for students about Ancient Greek Book of Greek Myths. Ingri and Edgar D’AulaireBook of Greek Myths. Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaire

– Explores Greek mythology.Explores Greek mythology. Ancient Greece (Cultural Atlas for Young People) (Hardcover). Anton Powell, Sean Sheehan. Ancient Greece (Cultural Atlas for Young People) (Hardcover). Anton Powell, Sean Sheehan.

Facts on File; Revised edition (June 2003) Facts on File; Revised edition (June 2003) – Maps, charts, illustrations, and text trace the history and culture of ancient Greece. Maps, charts, illustrations, and text trace the history and culture of ancient Greece.

Religion & the Gods (World of Ancient Greece) (Paperback)Religion & the Gods (World of Ancient Greece) (Paperback) Robert Hull. Franklin Watts (March 2000).Robert Hull. Franklin Watts (March 2000).

– Pictures of artifacts from Ancient Greece.Pictures of artifacts from Ancient Greece. Ancient Greece (History in Art) (Paperback).Ancient Greece (History in Art) (Paperback). Andrew Langley. Raintree (August 30, 2005) Andrew Langley. Raintree (August 30, 2005)

– Illustrated history of Greek art.Illustrated history of Greek art. Tales of the Greek Heroes: Retold From the Ancient Authors (Puffin Classics) (Paperback). Roger Tales of the Greek Heroes: Retold From the Ancient Authors (Puffin Classics) (Paperback). Roger

Lancelvn and Alan Langord. Puffin; Reprint edition (March 1, 1995).Lancelvn and Alan Langord. Puffin; Reprint edition (March 1, 1995).– Retelling of Greek Myths for young readers.Retelling of Greek Myths for young readers.

Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths (Mass Market Paperback). Bernard Evslin. Laurel Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths (Mass Market Paperback). Bernard Evslin. Laurel Leaf; Reissue edition (September 1, 1984).Leaf; Reissue edition (September 1, 1984).

– Book of Greek mythsBook of Greek myths

Teacher ResourcesTeacher Resources Gods, Heroes and Men of Ancient Greece: Mythology's Gods, Heroes and Men of Ancient Greece: Mythology's

Great Tales of Valor and Romance. W.H.D. Rouse.Great Tales of Valor and Romance. W.H.D. Rouse.– Overview of Greek myths.Overview of Greek myths.

Ancient Greece: Ancient History Series, Volume II (Ancient Ancient Greece: Ancient History Series, Volume II (Ancient History). William E. Dunstan. Wadsworth Publishing; 1 History). William E. Dunstan. Wadsworth Publishing; 1 edition (February 28, 2000).edition (February 28, 2000).– Overview of Greek history.Overview of Greek history.

The Oxford History of Classical Art (Oxford Illustrated The Oxford History of Classical Art (Oxford Illustrated Histories). John Boardman. Oxford University Press, USA Histories). John Boardman. Oxford University Press, USA (June 1, 2001)(June 1, 2001) – Review of classical art (Greek and Roman) – good for comparison.Review of classical art (Greek and Roman) – good for comparison.

Hellenistic Art: The Art of the Classical World from the Hellenistic Art: The Art of the Classical World from the Death of Alexander the Great to the Battle of Actium. Death of Alexander the Great to the Battle of Actium. Christine Mitchell Havelock. W. W. Norton & Company; Rev Christine Mitchell Havelock. W. W. Norton & Company; Rev Ed edition (June 1981)Ed edition (June 1981) – Overview of Greek art.Overview of Greek art.

Social Studies: The World. Scott Foresman. (2003)Social Studies: The World. Scott Foresman. (2003)– 7th Grade World History Textbook with basic information regarding

Greek gods and goddesses

Media ResourcesMedia ResourcesPostersPosters

Title: Ancient Greece - The British Title: Ancient Greece - The British Museum Type: PosterMuseum Type: PosterSize: 24 x 36 inSize: 24 x 36 inItem #: 389757 Item #: 389757

Title: Delphi, Greece Artist: David Ball Title: Delphi, Greece Artist: David Ball Title: Relief of the Mourning Athena, Title: Relief of the Mourning Athena,

circa 460Type: Giclee Printcirca 460Type: Giclee PrintSize: 18 x 24 inSize: 18 x 24 inItem #: 1344505 Item #: 1344505

Media ResourcesMedia ResourcesCD-RomCD-Rom

Wrath of Gods CD-RomWrath of Gods CD-Rom– Games and other activities about the Games and other activities about the

Olympian Gods.Olympian Gods. EXPLORING HISTORY THROUGH PRIMARY EXPLORING HISTORY THROUGH PRIMARY

SOURCES: World History Book & CD RomSOURCES: World History Book & CD Rom– Art, maps, etc.Art, maps, etc.

ResourcesResourcesTransparenciesTransparencies

Greece, the Hellenistic Age Book of Greece, the Hellenistic Age Book of TransparenciesTransparencies– Maps, art, charts of gods and goddesses, etc.Maps, art, charts of gods and goddesses, etc.

Rubric for Mythological Characters Rubric for Mythological Characters researchresearch– Help explain to students what is expected of Help explain to students what is expected of

their researchtheir research Mythological Characters Chart Mythological Characters Chart

TransparencyTransparency– Discuss mythological characters with studentsDiscuss mythological characters with students

Media ResourcesMedia ResourcesDVD/VideoDVD/Video

Ancient Greek Art and Architecture. Ancient Greek Art and Architecture. DVD. Educational Video Network, Inc. DVD. Educational Video Network, Inc. 21 mins. ASIN: B0007KY82421 mins. ASIN: B0007KY824– Overview of Greek art.Overview of Greek art.

ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS: GREECE—VIDEO ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS: GREECE—VIDEO QUIZQUIZ– Video Quiz over Ancient Greece.Video Quiz over Ancient Greece.

MYTHOLOGY IN LITERARY CULTURE . VHS. MYTHOLOGY IN LITERARY CULTURE . VHS. Clearview/Eav, 2000. 20 minutes.Clearview/Eav, 2000. 20 minutes.– Discusses how mythology is used in popular literatureDiscusses how mythology is used in popular literature

Media Resources Media Resources AudioAudio

Music of the Ancient Greeks Audio CDMusic of the Ancient Greeks Audio CD– IOANNIDIS NIKOLAOS IOANNIDIS NIKOLAOS

Classical Greek music.Classical Greek music.

Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaire. Book of Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaire. Book of Greek Myths. Airplay Audio Publishing. Greek Myths. Airplay Audio Publishing. (September, 1996) Audio Cassette.(September, 1996) Audio Cassette.– Audio Book which tells the stories of Greek Audio Book which tells the stories of Greek

mythsmyths

Media ResourcesMedia ResourcesWebsitesWebsites

PerseusPerseus– http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/vorhttp://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/vor

Collection of classical resources.Collection of classical resources. MythwebMythweb

– http://www.mythweb.com/http://www.mythweb.com/ Collection of myths.Collection of myths.

Metropolitan MuseumMetropolitan Museum– http://www.metmuseum.org/Works_Of_Art/department.asp?dep=13http://www.metmuseum.org/Works_Of_Art/department.asp?dep=13

Art exhibit of classical art.Art exhibit of classical art. Encyclopedia MythicaEncyclopedia Mythica

– http://www.pantheon.org/areas/mythology/europe/greek/http://www.pantheon.org/areas/mythology/europe/greek/ Collection of myths.Collection of myths.

Museum of Cycladic ArtMuseum of Cycladic Art– http://www.cycladic-m.gr/http://www.cycladic-m.gr/

Art exhibit of classical art.Art exhibit of classical art. Smithsonian InstituteSmithsonian Institute

– http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/numismatics/corinth/http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/numismatics/corinth/ Art and history exhibit of Ancient Greece.Art and history exhibit of Ancient Greece.

Winged SandalsWinged Sandals– http://www.abc.net.au/arts/wingedsandals/http://www.abc.net.au/arts/wingedsandals/

Interactive website for students about Ancient Greece. Interactive website for students about Ancient Greece.