This is a fun way to teach mythology to middle school students. There are many myths, but for this project, focus on the Greek ones for a research paper. Next, use children’s books to learn about different myths and to help students to create their own in small groups.
Greek Mythology Project
Greek mythology intrigues most middle school students. Use this topic as a springboard for a research paper. Students then work
together to create their own myths.
Greek Mythology Research Paper
Step 1 – Students need to select a research paper topic. Start with the principal Olympian Greek gods , such as Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Ares, Hermes, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Hestia, Demeter, Dionysus, and Hades. There are others to choose from as well.
Step 2 – After students have chosen their god, they need to write a research paper . Students should follow the MLA format or a style or a format selected by the teacher. It is important that students cite their sources properly. In addition, students need to learn how to paraphrase so they do not copy and paste information from the Internet.
Creating a Myth
Step 3 – Collect many children’s books that tell about myths. These can include myths from any culture; however, there should be several from the Greek culture.
Step 4 – After students have completed their research paper, they need to be placed in pairs. Ask students to select a book and to read it together.
Step 5 – Tell students to create their own myth. This myth should be written together as a team. The team should use the book they selected and their research for ideas.
Step 6 – When students have completed the writing of their myth, they must present it to the class. The myth can be acted out by the pair of students or it can be presented as an informational presentation. The presentation should have a visual aid or costumes.
To assess the myth, use a rubric. For the criteria of the rubric, tell students that they will be graded on creativity, organization and teamwork. The presentation should be entertaining as well.
This post is part of the series: Mythology Project
For the middle school classroom, these lessons about mythology are fun yet educational.
