Lesson plan based on Amphora

Describe modern—day legends and compare them to ancient legends.

Skills and Focus: Discussion, Cultural Comparisons, Writing

Subject Area: English Language Arts

Thematic Connection: Myths and Legends, Connecting Past and Present

Grade Level: Middle School

Time Needed: 50-minutes

Objectives

• Understand the place of the legend of Herakles in ancient Greek life.

• Define legendary, and compare ancient and modern legends in an essay.

Instructional Materials Needed

Story: What Story Is Shown?

Activity

Step 1: Begin by discussing the concept of legends. Be sure students understand that a legend can be either a person who accomplished some remarkable feat or an event of longstanding significance.

Step 2: After watching What Story Is Shown?, discuss what the students already know about the character of Herakles.

Critical Thinking Ask students to

• explain why the ancient Greeks painted an image of him onto an amphora.

• describe Herakles most admirable characteristics.

Step 3: Ask students to think about legendary people and events of the modern world and to choose either a person or an event to research. Have students bring to class primary—source material, such as newspaper articles, magazine articles, videotapes, audio tapes, and speeches, that define their legends.

Step 4: Have each student write a brief essay that explains the qualities that made this person or event legendary and that compares this contemporary legend to Herakles. Ask students to share their primary source material and essays.

Goals

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 3: Write to communicate for a variety of purposes.

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 4: Listen and speak effectively in a variety of situations.

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