Middle school teachers require an extraordinary level of understanding and patience. They understand that students experience a wide range of emotions every day. Due to this, they may want help one second and are eye-rolling the next. Additionally, they want to enjoy lessons, but they do not wish to overly show excitement. Thus, it is challenging planning lessons that students will enjoy. In all of my experience, the Greek Mythology Investigation is easily one of the most popular units! Students love it so much that they want to complete all assignments and are eager to start when the bell rings!
Who doesn’t love stories of heroes, goddesses, conquests, and villains? Thankfully, these aspects are an incredible way to keep middle schoolers highly engaged. To make the unit fun, interesting, and hands-on, students will complete a series of WebQuests. Thus, they have a sense of independence while exploring intriguing information.
There is so much content to learn in a Greek Mythology unit. Hence, this product breaks down the unit into four main activities. By doing this, students can lead their investigation while not becoming overwhelmed with everything at once. Honestly, this is a great way to challenge learners but still guide them in the right direction. Additionally, students even learn to find trustworthy websites and utilize various tools.
Often, students need background information to get started. Thankfully, the Greek Mythology investigation begins with an introductory video on the family tree of Greek Gods and Goddesses. Since students will see how complex the hierarchy is, there is a graphic organizer to help guide thoughts. As a helpful tip, remind students they can pause the video and fill out the organizer along the way. By doing this, they will reflect on information while writing.
Students often start to become interested in particular Greek Gods and Goddesses. Thus, the next activity allows them to select three. Then, they will access a website that provides a ton of information on each god/goddess. Students will use this source to fill out an informational table about their chosen three. After, they will rank their choices and use their results for the next activity. Students will love the continuation of activities within the resource!
The number one choice from activity two will now become the focus. Ultimately, student selection means the god/goddess is now wanted! Students will become detectives and create a poster filled with five key details. After completing, students will hang their posters around the room. Honestly, this is a great way for classmates to learn about so many people!
Before the three activities above, students may not have realized how Greek Mythology still impacts society. However, after researching the different gods/goddesses, chances are students are seeing a ton of connections. Using a high-quality source, students will focus on one modern connection to one god/goddess. Specifically, students will show the Greek relationship in society and provide interesting facts.
Since every classroom is different, the resource includes paper and digital versions! Therefore, this product will work for all classrooms regardless of utilizing computers or paper.
The Greek Mythology Investigation is such a fun yet rigorous activity! Luckily, students will be so invested in the information that they won’t even realize how much work they do. Honestly, this is one of the best ways to keep middle schoolers engaged each day. With this investigation, students will want to talk about Greek Mythology any moment they can!
If you do not want to miss any of the upcoming lessons, join my email list to be notified of all the interactive lessons coming up! By joining the email list, you will also receive freebies for blog exclusive subscribers!
