Materials

• Class notes (see bolded text in Instructional Activities below)
• “Greek Mythology” chart for each student (Attachment A)
• Teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or activity

Instructional Activities

1. Review content covered to this point in the unit.
   
   
2. Define polytheistic.
   
   
3. Explain that Greek mythology was based on a polytheistic religion and played a very large role in Ancient Greek society. Ask students to identify Greek gods and goddesses. Ask them to identify the area the gods or goddesses controlled. For example, Zeus was god of the sky.
   
   
4. Put the following note on the board or overhead:
   Greek mythology provided explanations of natural phenomena, human qualities, and life events.
   
   
5. Ask students if they can identify symbols or images in present-day society that may have been derived from Greek mythology.
   
   
6. Distribute the “Greek Mythology” chart (Attachment A) for students to complete as the class progresses.
   NOTE: If plans include using the lessons on Roman mythology, remind students that they will need this chart for the Roman mythology unit).
   
   
7. Instruct students to write the following in their charts (as well as any additional information based on teacher’s preference):
   Zeus—ruler of the Olympian gods; god of sky
   Hera—married to Zeus; patron of marriage
   Apollo—son of Zeus; god of music
   Artemis—twin sister of Apollo; goddess of childbirth, hunt, and animals
   Athena—daughter of Zeus; goddess of reason
   Aphrodite—daughter of Zeus; goddess of love
   
   
8. Provide pictures of these gods and goddesses. Provide interesting information on each obtained through the textbook or other resources.
   
   
9. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity, using available teacher resources.