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Exploring Greek Gods with Percy Jackson

Grade 6EnglishSocial StudiesHistory4 days

In this project, sixth-grade students delve into the world of Greek mythology, exploring its key characteristics and cultural significance through the lens of 'Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief.' They engage in a series of activities designed to deepen their understanding of Greek gods and goddesses, such as creating fact files, engaging in debates, and comparing ancient myths with their modern adaptations in the novel. The project emphasizes research, critical thinking, and the ability to identify the influence of Greek mythology on contemporary culture, culminating in a comprehensive assessment through rubrics and reflective exercises.

Greek MythologyPercy JacksonCritical ThinkingModern CultureAncient MythsComparative Analysis

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we draw connections between the key characteristics and stories of Greek gods and goddesses and their representation in modern culture, specifically through 'Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief,' while reflecting on their impact on ancient and contemporary society?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What are the key characteristics and stories associated with major Greek gods and goddesses?
How do the Greek myths reflect the values and beliefs of ancient Greek society?
In what ways do the characters and events in 'Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief' mirror traditional Greek myths?
How have Greek myths influenced modern culture and storytelling?
Why is it important to study ancient myths in today's world?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Understand the key characteristics and stories associated with major Greek gods and goddesses.
Analyze Greek myths to understand the values and beliefs of ancient Greek society.
Compare the portrayal of Greek myths in 'Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief' with original myths.
Identify and analyze the influence of Greek myths on modern culture and literature.
Reflect on the importance of studying ancient myths in today's world and their enduring impact.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.1

Primary

Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.Reason: Students will analyze both Greek myths and 'Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief' to draw comparisons and support their conclusions with evidence.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3

Primary

Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.Reason: Students will explore character development and plot structure within Greek myths and how they are depicted in Percy Jackson.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.9

Primary

Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and myths) in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics.Reason: The project involves comparing myths to contemporary adaptations via the Percy Jackson series.

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies

NCSS.D1.3.6-8

Secondary

Identify evidence from multiple sources to support claims, noting evidentiary limitations.Reason: Students will gather and use evidence from both ancient and modern texts to support claims about mythological influences.

NCSS.D2.HIS.1.6-8

Secondary

Analyze connections among events and developments in broader historical contexts.Reason: The project encourages examining the impact of Greek mythology on historical and contemporary contexts.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Olympian Showdown

Initiate a classroom competition where each student represents a god or goddess. Through debates or competitions involving each deity's powers or myths, students engage in learning about mythology in an exciting, competitive format that ties into 'Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief.'

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

God and Goddess Fact File Exchange

Students create a fact file for a selected Greek god or goddess, which they will exchange with peers to collect a variety of perspectives and knowledge. This activity targets both understanding key deities and preparing for peer debates.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research a Greek god or goddess using at least three reputable sources.

2. Compile information about their key characteristics, stories, powers, and symbols.

3. Create a one-page fact file with text and visual elements.

4. Exchange fact files with a classmate to gain insights from different deities.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA one-page fact file for a Greek god or goddess.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.1 & NCSS.D2.HIS.1.6-8 - Understanding ancient texts and historical context.

Activity 2

Modern Mythology Mingle

Students compare Greek myths with their modern representation in 'Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief,' analyzing differences and similarities to understand how ancient stories fit into contemporary narratives.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Select a myth that resonates personally or seems prominent in both ancient and modern contexts.

2. Identify and note key elements of the myth as originally told.

3. Read corresponding sections in 'Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief.'

4. Compare plot, character traits, and themes using a graphic organizer.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparison chart that highlights differences and similarities.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3 & RL.6.9 - Character development and comparing texts.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Greek Mythology and Modern Connections Rubric

Category 1

Research and Content Understanding

Evaluates the depth and accuracy of students' research on Greek gods and goddesses and their comprehension of the cultural significance.

Criterion 1

Comprehension of Mythology

Measures the student's understanding of Greek myths, including key characteristics and stories of the chosen deity.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the deity's characteristics and stories, articulating clear connections to cultural significance.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the deity's characteristics and stories with some connection to cultural significance.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding of the deity's characteristics and stories with minimal connection to cultural significance.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding of the deity's characteristics and stories with little to no connection to cultural significance.

Criterion 2

Accuracy and Depth of Research

Evaluates the accuracy and depth of the research conducted on the selected Greek god or goddess.

Exemplary

4 Points

Research is comprehensive, drawing from more than three reputable sources with high accuracy.

Proficient

3 Points

Research is detailed, using at least three reputable sources with mostly accurate information.

Developing

2 Points

Research includes limited details, using fewer than three reputable sources with partial accuracy.

Beginning

1 Points

Research is minimal and uses unreliable sources, showing inaccuracy.

Category 2

Comparative Analysis and Critical Thinking

Assesses the student's ability to compare traditional myths with their modern representations and demonstrate critical thinking.

Criterion 1

Comparative Analysis

Measures how well the student compares elements of myths with their adaptations in 'Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief.'

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a detailed and insightful comparison of myths, showing deep understanding of similarities and differences.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides a clear comparison of myths, understanding most similarities and differences.

Developing

2 Points

Provides a basic comparison, recognizing some similarities and differences.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to compare myths, with unclear recognition of similarities and differences.

Criterion 2

Critical Thinking

Evaluates the student's application of critical thinking in reflecting on the representation of myths.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional critical thinking in reflecting on myth representation and its impact on past and present cultures.

Proficient

3 Points

Shows effective critical thinking, reflecting on myth representation with some cultural context.

Developing

2 Points

Demonstrates basic critical thinking with limited cultural context reflection.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows minimal critical thinking and lacks cultural context reflection.

Category 3

Presentation and Communication

Focuses on the effectiveness of the students' communication through visual and written elements in their final products.

Criterion 1

Visual and Written Clarity

Assesses the clarity and coherence of the student's visual and written communication in the fact file and comparison chart.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents information with exceptional clarity and coherence, using visuals and text effectively.

Proficient

3 Points

Presents information clearly, with coherence and effective use of visuals and text.

Developing

2 Points

Presents information with some clarity, using visuals and text inconsistently.

Beginning

1 Points

Presents information unclearly, with ineffective visuals and text.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

How has your understanding of Greek gods and goddesses evolved through this unit, especially in relation to their depiction in 'Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief'?

Text

Required

Question 2

On a scale from 1 to 5, how confident are you in discussing the influence of Greek mythology on modern culture and storytelling?

Scale

Optional

Question 3

What were the most surprising or interesting connections you found between the ancient myths and 'Percy Jackson'?

Text

Required

Question 4

Why do you think it is important to study ancient myths in today's world?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

To understand cultural roots and heritage

To gain insights into ancient societies

To see their influence on modern storytelling

Because they are entertaining

Other (please specify)

Question 5

Reflecting on the "Olympian Showdown" entry event, how did this activity enhance your learning experience about Greek mythology?

Text

Required