Greek Mythology Lesson Plan: Parthenon Project & Monster Wanted Poster

Bring Ancient Greece to life with this hands-on lesson plan for 4th and 5th graders. Students dive into Greek mythology by creating a 'Most Wanted' poster for a famous creature like the Minotaur or Medusa, combining reading comprehension with creative art. Then, they become ancient architects, building a model of the Parthenon using LEGOs or blocks. Perfect for the classroom or homeschool, this lesson integrates history, art, and engineering to explore the myths and marvels of the ancient world.

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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?