Lesson Plan: Greek Mythology Most Wanted & Parthenon Architects

Materials Needed:

• The book: "The Glory of Greece" by Beth Zemble and John Holdren
• Paper (white and/or tan/parchment-style)
• Drawing materials (colored pencils, markers, or crayons)
• Building materials (Choose one option): LEGOs, building blocks, cardboard tubes, modeling clay, or even graham crackers and frosting
• A flat surface or tray for building
• Pencil and eraser

Lesson Details

Subject: Ancient History & Creative Arts

Grade Level: 4th-5th Grade (Age 10)

Time Allotment: 75 minutes

1. Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:

• Analyze a Greek myth to identify the key characteristics and "crimes" of a mythological creature.
• Create a detailed "Most Wanted" poster that visually and textually represents a mythological creature based on information from the text.
• Construct a simple 3D model of the Parthenon, correctly identifying and incorporating its key architectural features (columns, base, and pediment).

2. Instructional Strategies & Activities

Part 1: Introduction - A World of Myths & Marvels (10 minutes)

1. Hook: Open "The Glory of Greece" to pages featuring mythological creatures or heroes (like pages on the Minotaur, Medusa, or Hercules). Ask the student: "If these creatures were real today, what kind of trouble would they cause? Who would be considered a hero, and who would be a villain on the evening news?"
2. Set the Scene: Explain that today, they will act as both a Greek detective and a master architect. First, they will investigate a famous monster from a myth.

Part 2: Activity - Mythological Monster "Most Wanted" (30 minutes)

1. Research the Suspect: Have the student choose one mythological monster featured in the book (e.g., the Minotaur, Medusa, a Cyclops, or the Hydra). The student should read the section about that creature and its associated myth.
2. Gather Evidence: While reading, the student should look for specific details to use on their poster, such as:
   • Physical Description: What does it look like? (e.g., "head of a bull, body of a man")
   • Known Hangouts: Where does it live? (e.g., "a labyrinth on the island of Crete")
   • Crimes Committed: What bad things has it done? (e.g., "devouring youths and maidens sent as tribute")
   • Known Weaknesses: Is there a special way to defeat it?
3. Create the Poster: Using paper and drawing materials, the student will design a "MOST WANTED" poster. The poster must include:
   • The words "WANTED" or "MOST WANTED" at the top.
   • A large, detailed drawing of the creature (the "mugshot").
   • Its name and any aliases.
   • A list of its "Crimes."
   • Its last known location ("Lair").
   • A "Reward" for its capture (this can be creative, like "A Hero's Welcome" or "1,000 Gold Drachmas").

Part 3: Activity - Parthenon Architects (25 minutes)

1. Study the Blueprint: Turn to the section in "The Glory of Greece" about the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Point out the three main parts of the temple's design:
   • The Base (Stylobate): The foundation steps.
   • The Columns: The tall pillars holding up the roof (discuss the simple, sturdy Doric style).
   • The Roof & Pediment: The triangular shape at the top, which was often filled with sculptures.
2. Construct the Model: Using the chosen building materials (LEGOs, clay, etc.), the student will now build their own model of the Parthenon. Encourage them to focus on getting the basic structure right: a rectangular base, a row of columns around the outside, and a triangular pediment on the front and back.
3. Challenge Question: As they build, ask: "Why do you think the Greeks wanted such a large, impressive building to honor the goddess Athena? What does it tell us about what was important to them?"

Part 4: Conclusion - Museum Showcase (10 minutes)

1. Present the Work: Have the student present their two creations.
   • First, they present the "Most Wanted" poster, explaining the creature's story and why they designed the poster the way they did.
   • Next, they present their Parthenon model, pointing out the base, columns, and pediment, and explaining what the building was for.
2. Connect and Reflect: Ask a final question to tie it all together: "How do both myths and buildings tell us a story about the people who created them?"

3. Differentiation and Inclusivity

• For Extra Support: Provide a simple template for the "Most Wanted" poster with pre-labeled sections. For the Parthenon, build the base together and then have the student focus on adding the columns and roof.
• For an Extra Challenge: Encourage the student to write a short news article on the back of the "Most Wanted" poster describing the creature's latest escape. For the Parthenon, challenge them to research and build a temple with a different style of column (Ionic or Corinthian).
• Inclusivity Note: The lesson focuses on the creative interpretation of historical content, allowing the student's personal style and perspective to shine through in their artwork and building.

4. Assessment Methods

• Formative (Ongoing Observation): Listen to the student's answers during the introductory and building phases. Check for understanding as they gather "evidence" for their poster.
• Summative (Final Product Review):
  1. "Most Wanted" Poster: Is the poster visually clear? Does it accurately reflect at least three key details (description, location, crimes) from the myth as described in the book?
  2. Parthenon Model: Does the model successfully incorporate the three key features: a base, columns, and a triangular pediment? Can the student identify these parts?