Olympian Odyssey: Artful Adventures with Percy Jackson

9th Grade Project 10 weeks

Olympian Odyssey: Artful Adventures with Percy Jackson

Asal M

L.9-10.4

L.9-10.5

W.9-10.4

W.9-10.1

W.9-10.9

+ 7 more

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Purpose

This project aims to combine artistic expression with literary analysis, allowing Percy to explore the complexity of character development and thematic nuances in 'The Lightning Thief.' Through the creation of mixed media portraits, Percy will translate textual evidence and figurative language into visual art, providing a tangible representation of literary themes such as friendship, loyalty, and overcoming obstacles. The project encourages Percy to build communication skills through reflection and presentation, fostering a deeper connection with the text and real-world scenarios while collaborating and engaging in self-directed learning.

Learning goals

Percy will analyze and depict themes of overcoming obstacles and the nuances of friendship and loyalty through artistic expressions inspired by 'The Lightning Thief.' He will employ and refine techniques in mixed media art, connecting figurative language and word choice from the text to character development and mood creation. Percy will engage in self-assessment and reflection to articulate their artistic processes and build critical communication and interpretative skills. This project will hone their ability to independently navigate complex texts, apply reading strategies, and translate literary themes into creative visual representations.

Standards

[California] L.9-10.4 - Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 9—10 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
[California] L.9-10.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
[California] W.9-10.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
[California] W.9-10.1 - Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
[California] W.9-10.9 - Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
[California] RH.9-10.1 - Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, attending to such features as the date and origin of the information.
[California] RH.9-10.3 - Analyze in detail a series of events described in a text; determine whether earlier events caused later ones or simply preceded them.

Competencies

Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.

Products

Over the course of this learning experience, Percy will create a series of mixed media portraits that represent the growth of characters from 'The Lightning Thief' through chosen figurative language. These portraits will use diverse materials and textures to visually capture the mood and themes from the text. Additionally, Percy will maintain a Weekly Reader Response to document his reading process, strategies for clarifying vocabulary, and the textual evidence supporting his artistic interpretations. At the end, Percy will present their completed art projects and reflect on their learning journey in a presentation/mini-exhibition, emphasizing the connections between the story’s themes and real-world experiences.

Launch

Exhibition

Create a 'Journey Through The Lightning Thief' gallery presentation and mini-exhibition where Percy will display his art pieces along with written reflections, showcasing his interpretations of overcoming obstacles and relationship dynamics. Peers and teachers provide feedback during the presentation.

Learning Journey

Ask

Students will explore and discuss the challenges faced by Percy Jackson and identify parallels in real-life obstacles, while collaboratively defining artistic goals and constraints for their final art pieces based on selected passages from 'The Lightning Thief.'

Days 1 - 8