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Teacher's Guide for DIG TM Myths and LegendsOctober 2006 Unit Activity: Reading Comprehension, Research and Public Speaking Have students work in groups. You will need 6 groups total. Assign each group one of the following articles from this issue of Dig: 1. Women Warriors 2. Where's Atlantis? 3. Poison Arrows (Hydra & Hercules) 4. Mystery at Delphi 5. Defending China (The Legend of Mengjihangnu) 6. The Truth About Crater Lake
Have each group read their article and consider the myth presented in the article. They should work together to further research the myth. Each group will present their research and lead the class in reading their assigned article. Each groups should use visuals and/or handouts in their presentation to provide their classmates with as much information about the myth as possible. Decide the case is the myth fact or fiction?
Poison Arrows pp. 12-14 Horticulture Lesson: What is belladonna? Create a fact sheet about this plant. What does it look like; where does it grow; what are its uses; does it grow locally? Research local, or popular, plants that may be dangerous or used as herbal remedies. Create a fact sheet for each of these plants. For example, poison ivy, poinsetta (harmful to pets); lavender (has a calming fragrance). Literature: Have the class read the original story of Hercules (and the Hydra). Available in Hercules (Heroes) by Geraldine McCaughrean, Cricket books, October 2005. Discussion: What is the lesson of the Hydra myth? Resources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercules - information page about Hercules http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lernaean_Hydra - information page about the Hydra http://www.eaudrey.com/myth/hydra.htm - a picture of the Hydra
Cleopatra's Needles p.15 Who was Cleopatra? Research this historical figure. Homework: What is the history of the obelisk? What does it symbolize?
Obelisks were a prominent part of ancient Egyptian architecture that symbolized the sun god Ra. It was believed that god existed within the structure. Resource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obelisk - information page about Obelisks, including Cleopatra's needles.
Mystery at Delphi pp. 16-21 Who was Apollo? Explore the history and various methods of fortune telling. Discussion: Why would people seek fortune tellers?
Defending China pp. 22-23 Math exercise: 1. What is the total area of the Great Wall of China? 2. If the wall is 31,000 miles long - how many feet is that? Construct your own segment of the Great Wall of China. Use either true dimensions or make a scaled model. Consider the labor involved in creating such a monumental piece of architecture.
Fun Fact: The Great Wall of China is 1 of 2 man made objects that can be seen from outer space. Can you figure out what the other is? (The garbage dump Fresh Kills in Staten Island, NY.)
No Trespassing pp. 24-27 Reading Comprehension: 1. What were some of Qin Shi huangdi's accomplishments as emperor? Provide the class with images of the Terracotta Army while you read the article. Resources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terracotta_Army - images and information about the terracotta army. http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/xian/terracotta.htm - images and information about the terracotta army. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qin_Shi_Huang - information about Qin Shi Huang
Where's the Cat? pp. 28-29 Discussion: What is the difference between a myth and a rumor?
Unit Assignment:
Homework: Identify and write down and modern myth sometimes referred to as an Urban Legend. Do you believe the legend? Why or why not? Resources: http://www.snopes.com - modern urban legends http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myth http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_legend
End of Unit Discussion: What is the role of myth in human societies?
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