Culture and Religion

The Religion and Culture of the Ancient Greeks

Big Idea 1. Historians and archaeologists describe historical events and issues from the perspectives of people living at the time to avoid evaluating the past in terms of today’s norms and values.

Big Idea 2. The civilizations that developed in Greece and Rome had an enduring impact on later civilizations. This legacy includes governance and law, engineering and technology, art and architecture, as well as literature and history. The Roman Empire also played an instrumental role in the spread of Christianity.

Learning Targets:
I can describe the events and issues of this civilization from the perspective of the people who lived in it.
I can cite examples of how Greece has impacted later civilizations.
Assessment: Exit Ticket, Quiz
Literacy Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.2
Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions. (Read, interpret and analyze Greek Myths)

Notes Activity 1 (Gold Notes) - Greek Culture and Religion

Directions: Use the Prezi presentation below to fill in the information that is missing on your Greek Culture and Religion Notes. You must follow the presentation in order using the arrows. Follow the directions as you go. When finished come show me for classwork points and a signature!

Notes Activity 2 (White Notes) - Greek Religion and Mythology

Directions: Follow the steps below to fill in the information on your Greek Religion and Mythology notes page. When finished show to me for classwork points and a signature.

STEP 1 - The Gods and Goddesses
of Ancient Greece

This video and the websites below are great resources to find out information about the Greek gods and goddesses.

Interactive- Gods and Goddesses

Greek Gods and Goddesses

British Museum- Gods and Goddesses

STEP 2 - Mythology of Ancient Greece

Directions: Read the information and us it to fill out the back of the white notes.

FIRST - Purpose of Mythology to the ancient Greeks

Modern experts on ancient Greece no longer see a difference between myths and legends because they have so many features in common. These mythical stories have a few different focuses. Some of them involve just gods and goddesses and focus on the creation of the world and of humans and the rule of the gods; some deal with a specific hero such as Theseus or
Herakles; some focus on a place, for example Thebes or Athens, or an event, for example
the Trojan War.

Myths had 3 important purposes for the ancient Greeks and formed a part of their belief system:
1. Myths often explained the origin or beginning of things. For example, some myths explained things in nature that the Greeks could not explain with science, like the creation of the world or the cycle of seasons and some myths explained how cities came to be.
2. Secondly, many myths taught the ancient Greeks how to live or how to act. For example, myths taught them how to behave towards the gods/goddesses and taught them the roles of men and women in Greek society.
3. Lastly, myths also served the purpose of entertaining the ancient Greeks. They were exciting and engaging stories about their gods, heroes and other mythological creatures.

SECOND - Greek Myth Example

Click on the link below to read/view a Greek Myth.

You have the option to hit play and view and have it read to you OR you can click on STORY TEXT and just read it yourself.

Demeter and Persephone

STEP 3 - Edcite Assignment

Complete the edcite assignment about Greek mythology and the gods and goddesses for 14 total classwork points.

*You can also use your white notes information about Gods and Goddesses to help you on the final tasks.

Click on the image to go to edcite.com

GREEK MYTHOLOGY PROJECT

Directions: Grab the pink paper that details the 2 CHOICES you have for this project. You can do either project AND work with a partner if you choose. It is okay to work solo though!

Make sure you understand the directions and how to earn points on this project. Each choice is 30 Assessment points.

You can use the information you collected on the gods/goddesses to help you in creating your project. You can also use the various resources I have listed below for research.

Resources to research for your Greek Mythology Mini-Project:

Use the resources below to do some research for your Greek Mythology Mini-Project. These websites will give you information on the characters and stories from Greek Mythology.

List of all figures in Greek Mythology (Gods, lesser Gods, Heroes, Mortals, Creatures, etc.)
http://www.greekmythology.com/

List of creatures and beasts of Greek Mythology -
http://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_greece/monsters_and_creatures_of_greek_mythology.php

Greek myth summaries from National Geographic -
http://www.ngkids.co.uk/history/Greek-Myths

Greek Myth Examples for kids -
http://greece.mrdonn.org/myths.html