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6th Grade
- Project
- 4 weeks
Myth to Modern: Exploring Timeless Tales
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to engage students in exploring the enduring influence of Greek mythology on modern storytelling and pop culture. Through comparative analysis, students will examine how ancient myths like those of Hercules, Icarus, and Pandora continue to resonate today, identifying universal themes and lessons that remain relevant. By creating multimedia presentations, students will demonstrate their understanding of these myths and their modern counterparts, fostering critical thinking and creativity. The project aims to deepen students' appreciation of cultural narratives and their impact on contemporary media, encouraging them to reflect on the stories that shape their world.
Learning goals
In this project, students will explore the enduring influence of Greek mythology on modern storytelling and pop culture. They will analyze how ancient myths like those of Hercules, Icarus, and Pandora continue to resonate today, examining universal themes such as heroism, hubris, and the human condition. Through comparative analysis, students will identify similarities and differences between Greek myths and contemporary media, enhancing their understanding of narrative evolution. By creating multimedia presentations, students will demonstrate their ability to connect historical narratives to present-day contexts, fostering critical thinking and cultural literacy. The project encourages reflection on personal media consumption and the impact of storytelling across time, promoting skills in analysis, synthesis, and communication.
Standards
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.9: Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4: Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
Products
In this project, students will create a multimedia presentation that compares a Greek mythological character or event to a modern pop culture reference. This presentation will highlight the similarities and differences between the ancient myth and its contemporary counterpart, as well as explore the evolution of the themes over time. Students will demonstrate their understanding of both the original myth and its influence on modern storytelling by drawing connections to popular media such as movies, TV shows, or books. The final product will be showcased in a "Heroes and Legends Gallery Walk," where students will have the opportunity to present their work to peers, teachers, and community members, fostering a deeper appreciation for the enduring impact of Greek mythology on today's culture.
Launch
To effectively launch the project, begin with an immersive experience that captivates students' interest in Greek mythology and its modern-day connections. Set up a "Mythology and Pop Culture Day" where students rotate through interactive stations, each themed around a different Greek myth. At each station, present a short clip or excerpt from a modern pop culture reference (such as a scene from a movie, TV show, or book) that draws inspiration from the myth. For example, show a clip from a superhero movie that parallels Hercules' labors or a scene from a fantasy series that echoes the journey of Odysseus. Encourage students to discuss initial observations on how these ancient stories have been reimagined in contemporary media. This engaging activity sets the stage for deeper exploration and analysis throughout the project.
Exhibition
To showcase the students' work and celebrate their learning, organize a "Heroes and Legends Gallery Walk." In this exhibition, students will display their multimedia presentations that compare Greek mythological characters or events to modern pop culture references. Set up the classroom or a larger space with stations for each student's presentation, allowing for an interactive experience. Invite other classes, parents, and community members to attend, providing an opportunity for students to engage in discussions about their findings and reflect on the connections between ancient myths and contemporary stories. This exhibition not only highlights the students' creativity and understanding but also fosters a sense of community and shared learning.
Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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Activities |
Activity 1: Introduction to Greek Mythology - Begin the week with an engaging lecture or presentation on the basics of Greek mythology, highlighting key figures like Hercules, Icarus, and Pandora.
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Activity 2: Mythology and Pop Culture Day - Organize an interactive session where students rotate through different stations. Each station will feature a modern pop culture reference that draws inspiration from a Greek myth, such as a movie clip or book excerpt.
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Activity 3: Group Discussion - Facilitate a class discussion where students share their observations from the Mythology and Pop Culture Day, focusing on how ancient myths are reimagined in contemporary media.
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Activity 4: Research Assignment - Assign students to select a Greek mythological character or event and conduct preliminary research on its modern pop culture counterpart. Encourage them to identify themes and similarities.
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Activity 5: Reflection Journal - Have students write a reflection on their initial findings and thoughts on the influence of Greek mythology on modern storytelling, focusing on what they find most intriguing or surprising.
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Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Participation in Mythology and Pop Culture Day - Students should actively engage and take notes at each station.
2. Deliverable 2: Research Assignment - A brief written summary of their chosen myth and its modern counterpart, highlighting key themes and connections. 3. Deliverable 3: Reflection Journal Entry - A personal reflection on their learning experience and insights gained from the week's activities. |
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Preparation |
1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Prepare a lecture or presentation on Greek mythology, ensuring it includes visually engaging materials.
2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Set up the Mythology and Pop Culture Day stations with relevant media clips or excerpts that demonstrate the connection between Greek myths and modern media. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Create a research assignment guide that outlines expectations and provides resources for students to begin their investigations. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Develop prompts for the reflection journal to guide students in their reflective writing. |
Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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Activities |
Activity 1: Comparative Analysis Workshop - Conduct a workshop where students learn techniques for comparing Greek myths to modern pop culture references, focusing on themes, characters, and narrative structures.
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Activity 2: Research and Drafting - Allocate time for students to continue their research on their chosen myth and its modern counterpart. Encourage them to start drafting their multimedia presentation, outlining key points they want to cover.
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Activity 3: Peer Review Session - Organize a session where students exchange drafts of their presentations with peers for feedback, focusing on clarity, depth of analysis, and creativity.
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Activity 4: Theme Exploration - Facilitate a class discussion on universal themes found in Greek mythology, such as heroism and hubris, and how these are portrayed in modern stories.
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Activity 5: Reflection Journal - Have students write a journal entry reflecting on their analysis process and any new insights gained about the myths and their modern interpretations.
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Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Draft of Multimedia Presentation - A preliminary draft of their presentation, including the chosen myth, its modern counterpart, and key themes.
2. Deliverable 2: Peer Review Feedback - Written feedback provided to a peer, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement. 3. Deliverable 3: Reflection Journal Entry - A personal reflection on their progress and understanding of the comparative analysis. |
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Preparation |
1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Develop a workshop guide on comparative analysis techniques, including examples of successful comparisons.
2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Create a checklist for peer review, outlining criteria for constructive feedback. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Prepare discussion prompts for exploring universal themes in Greek mythology and their modern manifestations. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Organize resources and materials for students to continue their research and drafting processes. |
Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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Activities |
Activity 1: Multimedia Presentation Development - Students will work on refining and completing their multimedia presentations. They will focus on integrating their research findings, comparative analysis, and creative elements into a cohesive presentation.
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Activity 2: Presentation Skills Workshop - Conduct a workshop aimed at enhancing students' presentation skills, focusing on effective communication techniques such as clear articulation, eye contact, and confident body language.
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Activity 3: Individual Consultations - Schedule one-on-one sessions with students to provide personalized feedback on their presentation drafts. Offer guidance on content, structure, and delivery improvements.
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Activity 4: Practice Presentations - Organize a session where students practice delivering their presentations to small groups. Encourage peer feedback to help each presenter refine their delivery and content.
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Activity 5: Reflection Journal - Have students write a journal entry reflecting on their presentation development process, challenges faced, and strategies for effective storytelling in their presentations.
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Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Completed Multimedia Presentation - A finished version of their multimedia presentation, showcasing their comparative analysis and creative interpretation.
2. Deliverable 2: Presentation Skills Workshop Participation - Active participation in the workshop, demonstrating progress in presentation techniques. 3. Deliverable 3: Reflection Journal Entry - A personal reflection on the development of their presentation and insights gained from practice sessions. |
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Preparation |
1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Develop resources and guidelines for the multimedia presentation, including examples and best practices.
2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Prepare an interactive workshop on presentation skills, incorporating activities and exercises to engage students. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Schedule and organize individual consultation sessions, ensuring availability for personalized student feedback. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Arrange logistics for practice presentation sessions, including timing, group assignments, and peer feedback forms. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Create prompts for the reflection journal to guide students in evaluating their presentation development journey. |
Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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Activities |
Activity 1: Final Presentation Rehearsal - Students will gather for a full run-through of their multimedia presentations. They will practice delivering their presentations as if they were in the actual exhibition, focusing on timing and delivery.
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Activity 2: Peer and Teacher Feedback Session - After each rehearsal, students will receive feedback from peers and the teacher. The focus will be on refining content, improving clarity, and enhancing presentation techniques.
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Activity 3: Heroes and Legends Gallery Walk Setup - Students will assist in setting up the exhibition space, arranging their presentation stations, and ensuring all necessary technological equipment is functional.
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Activity 4: Exhibition Day - Students will present their final multimedia presentations at the "Heroes and Legends Gallery Walk." They will engage with visitors, answer questions, and discuss their findings.
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Activity 5: Reflection and Debrief - Conduct a class debrief session where students reflect on their exhibition experience, discuss what they learned, and share their thoughts on the overall project.
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Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Final Multimedia Presentation - A polished and complete version of their multimedia presentation, ready for the exhibition.
2. Deliverable 2: Presentation Rehearsal Participation - Active participation in the rehearsal sessions, demonstrating readiness for the exhibition. 3. Deliverable 3: Reflection Journal Entry - A final reflection on the project, highlighting personal growth, challenges overcome, and key takeaways. |
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Preparation |
1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Organize the rehearsal schedule, ensuring each student has sufficient time to practice with their peers.
2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Develop feedback forms for both peer and teacher use during the rehearsal sessions. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Coordinate the setup of the exhibition space, ensuring all logistical needs are met, such as seating arrangements and audiovisual equipment. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Prepare a guide for visitors attending the gallery walk, outlining the purpose of the exhibition and providing context for the students' presentations. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Create prompts for the final reflection journal to help students articulate their learning journey and the impact of the project on their understanding of storytelling. |