1. 7 November 2013 Imagine…  You are an ancient Greek man or woman who fell asleep one night at the base of Mt. Olympus.  You wake to find yourself in modern-day America.  Look around. What do you see? What are some things you don’t understand? Is there anything so strange and confusing that the gods must be responsible for it? In your warm-ups, list at least 5 things you notice.  Consider: geographical features, animal species, current events, technology, modern architecture, modern modes of transportation.

2. Writing a Greek Myth  The Greeks used myths to explain what they did not understand.  Some myths explained animals and their behavior, others explained natural events like the seasons or weather.  In some myths, the gods play tricks on mortals to teach them lessons, usually about morals that were valuable to the culture.  Now it’s time for you to write a myth of your own! Yay!

3. Now for the fun part!  Select an item from your list and write a myth to explain it.  Use the “Myth Map” to help you brainstorm ideas.  Your myth must contain at least 2 Greek gods/goddesses that we’ve learned about.  Be creative with your ideas.  Apply the powers of certain gods/goddesses to today’s world.  When finished, ask another student to peer edit your myth  Make certain your cover all aspects as outlined in the rubric

4. Elements of Greek Myths  Gods/goddesses are central characters  Gods/goddesses have special powers  A natural phenomenon, occurrence, or event is explained by the myth.  A lesson is taught or a cultural moral value is explained through the myth.  Gods and goddesses interact with mortals.  Gods/goddesses display jealous, vengeful, and otherwise human behaviors.  Gods/goddesses play tricks on mortals and one another.

5. Process…  After you’ve selected your topic, fill in your “Myth Map”.  From your “Myth Map” create a rough draft (consider the rubric as you go).  Ask another student to peer edit your myth (they will use the rubric to grade you).  Homework for tonight: type up your myth in MLA format (double-spaced, MLA Heading, Header, 1” margins).  Create an illustration/poster for your myth and be prepared to present for 15 points extra credit.