Title of Module: It’s Greek to Me!
Author:
Bob Shaw
Ritenour Middle School
Overland, MO
(formerly of Unity Point School, Carbondale, IL)
Module used for inspiration:
“Ancient Greek and Roman Myths in Everyday Life” by Dr. Antoinette Brazouski
from Northern Illinois University.
Rationale for Adaptation:
This lesson was inspired by the PT3 lesson: Ancient Greek and Roman Myths in
Everyday Life by Dr. Antoinette Brazouski from Northern Illinois University. In
this module, Antoinette describes how many classical icons, references, and
everyday items have are overlooked as links to the past. I have designed a web
quest that addresses the same issue in a scavenger hunt style contest. This will be
easier for the students to locate items. In many cases students will be making
discoveries that I have embedded in the web quest and will draw conclusions as to
the origin of many common items that hail from the Ancient Greeks.
Course:
Humanities
Grade Level:
4-8
Description of Module:
We get more than Greek Salad and olive oil from our Classical ancestors. In fact,
most of the way we live is rooted (at least in part) in Ancient Greece. All roads
may lead to Rome, but they certainly wouldn't have conquered the world without
learning from the Greeks first! Why should one study the Ancient Greeks? There
exist almost countless contributions that Greek culture has made to western
society in the areas of art, literature, philosophy, drama, architecture and politics.
Lasting visions of thought and inspiring intellect helped shaped today's western
culture with notions of democracy and personal freedoms. Greek scientists made
revolutionary discoveries in medicine, mathematics, physics, and astronomy. It
was the Greeks who, through philosophy, instilled thoughtful exploration of the
mind and consciousness. The beauty of their artwork and the precision of their
statues reflected human development and expression of individuality. The most
important reason to study the Greeks is for the opportunity to take small glimpses
of history related to them, and to try to better understand our humanity.
Transferability to Other Courses:
Web Quests are easy to make and can be done for any subject. This particular
web quest could be used in communications, mathematics, history, and many
other subject area classes.
Faculty Technology Skill Needed:
Web Quests can be made by using web page publishing software or by simply
pasting web links into a word processing document and distributing it
electronically to the students. This does require the navigation of the World Wide
Web and basic word processing skills. Additional web authoring skills and
experience are helpful, but not required. If you wish to use this web quest, I have
done the work for you.
Student Technology Skill Needed:
Navigation of the Internet and simple word processing skills are needed.
Faculty Equipment Needed:
A mass-viewing device such as a TV or Data Projector connected to an Internetready computer will be needed. Computers for students (groups of 2 – 5 students)
will also be needed.
Student Equipment Needed:
Each student group will need a computer.
Cost Involved:
Computers with Internet connection and mass-viewing device are present in most
schools and are able to be used at no cost.
Improvement on Teaching and Learning:
Students are more interested in the tactile method of Internet research. This truly
is multi-sensory research. This can also be done from home and the teacher still
has control over the content of which the students are exposed.
Non-technology comparison:
This allows students to search teacher selected web sites in a safe environment.
Simply going to the library may lead students to undesirable information,
sculptures, and other art forms. Also students may not know what is Greek and
what is not Greek. The web quest clearly states what is Greek and why these
things are in our world still today.
Issues to be aware of:
There are some inappropriate web pages on the Internet. Do not type in ‘Greeks’
into a search engine; use the selected web sites. This also can go for a long time.
Set a time limit and have the groups report to the rest of the class.
How to use in the classroom:
Instructions:
1. Pair up! Get a partner and explore one of the sections below.
2. Read through the files linked to the section. If you look at the files
on the computer, copy sections you feel are important by dragging
the mouse across the passage, then copy and paste it into a word
processing program.
3. Note: Remember to write down or copy/paste the URL of the file
you take the passage from so you can quickly go back to it if you
need to prove your point.
4. Be prepared to focus what you've learned into the idea that the
ANCIENT GREEK INFLUENCE is still felt today (at least in
some form).
5. Select one topic in the area of math and science, democracy, or art
and literature, create a short oral report, and create a visual;
provide a demonstration; demonstrate a "hands-on" activity; and/or
make a flow chart to show your new knowledge. The idea is that
you can prove the Greek influence is still around today. Be
creative!
6. Be prepared to share this information with the group at the end of
the project.
7. Remember your topic should relate to the Greek influences on
modern day knowledge or processes.
The link below will take you to some very interesting places. Some places are about
Ancient Greece and some are about modern topics. These are public web pages that are
on the Internet to explain or educate. Most of the web sites are easy to read, with the
exception of some of the Greek names. If you come across a word you do not know,
click the online dictionary. Feel free to use teacher-approved books and reference
materials in your library and classroom as well! There is certainly more than one correct
answer; after all we are looking for the team with the most ancient to modern links.
Navigate to http://www.up140.jacksn.k12.il.us/Shaw/swebquest.html on the
Internet.
Educational and/or Technology Standards:
Illinois Content-Area-Standards: Technology Standards for All Teachers:
Standard 1: Basic Computer / Technology Operations and Concepts
Standard 2: Personal and Professional Use of Technology
Standard 3: Application of Technology in Instruction
Standard 5: Productivity Tools
Standard 7: Research, Problem Solving, and Product Development
Standard 8: Information Literacy Skills