Embedded Files
ELA / Social Studies: Greek mythology and the American government
ELA / Social Studies: Greek mythology and the American government
What does Greek Mythology teach us about power, government, and history?
What does Greek Mythology teach us about power, government, and history?
In this cross-curricular residency, two 3rd Grade classes explored a mash-up between Greek mythology and American history and government. Using a story called "The Division of the World," which explores how the Greek gods overthrew the titans and gained power, students compared and contrasted the story to different aspects of the American government. One class compared the three realms of the gods (sky, water, and underworld) to the three branches of government. The other class told a parallel story of the gods vs. the titans and the colonists vs. the British. The final sharing was an excellent demonstration of learning, both within each class and between the two classes, as students reflected on the similarities and differences they noticed.
In this cross-curricular residency, two 3rd Grade classes explored a mash-up between Greek mythology and American history and government. Using a story called "The Division of the World," which explores how the Greek gods overthrew the titans and gained power, students compared and contrasted the story to different aspects of the American government. One class compared the three realms of the gods (sky, water, and underworld) to the three branches of government. The other class told a parallel story of the gods vs. the titans and the colonists vs. the British. The final sharing was an excellent demonstration of learning, both within each class and between the two classes, as students reflected on the similarities and differences they noticed.
May 2019 - June 2019
Our play was about...
Our play was about...
THE GOVERNING GODS
THE GOVERNING GODS
Ava: And so, the three branches of their government were formed.
Poseidon: I am Poseidon, the god of the seas! The Legislative branch is ruled by me!
Anthony: I am Zeus! King of gods! I will rule over the sky and the executive branch!
Ruth: I am Hades the god of the underworld! (evil laugh) The judicial branch will be housed where I rule.
THE FOUNDING FATHERS
THE FOUNDING FATHERS
Brandon: Just as the gods established their government, so too did the American colonists after the war.
Amy: The colonists won the war and had all the land. The founding fathers had to figure out how to govern.
Justin: So, they came together to form a government, to make sure everyone in the new colonies were safe.
Justin: With these new rules, they made sure people were safe and held accountable for their actions.
"I felt unstoppable, because l worked with teamwork! I couldn't have done it without my classmates." -- Lia
"I felt unstoppable, because l worked with teamwork! I couldn't have done it without my classmates." -- Lia
"The most important thing in this experience was when Mr. Lucas told us to BECOME the character. It never occurred to me that I could become a character."
"The most important thing in this experience was when Mr. Lucas told us to BECOME the character. It never occurred to me that I could become a character."
-- Gianna
-- Gianna
"When you are up there on stage, you have to be brave and have a big strong voice because you have to do that all your life. Remember that you're not alone up there."
"When you are up there on stage, you have to be brave and have a big strong voice because you have to do that all your life. Remember that you're not alone up there."
-- Lia
-- Lia
"Never give up - show confidence."
"Never give up - show confidence."
-- Leonela
-- Leonela
Jenna Hoplock and Samantha Rodriguez, Educators
Jenna Hoplock and Samantha Rodriguez, Educators
Lucas Pinner, Teaching Artist
Lucas Pinner, Teaching Artist
William Smith, Principal
William Smith, Principal
Photos by Angela Peletier
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