Lesson plan based on Fallen Warrior

Analyze ancient sculpture and determine its success in conveying aspects of war and military sacrifice through the ages.

Skills and Focus: Discussion, Cultural Comparisons, Research

Subject Area: Social Science

Thematic Connection: Comparing Cultures

Grade Level: Middle School

Time Needed: 60-90 minutes

Objectives

• Evaluate the roles of social institutions like the military.

Instructional Materials Needed

Story: The Shield of Athena

Online Resources:

• http://home.earthlink.net/~gfeldmeth/lectures.html

Print Resources:

• Chang, Ina. A Separate Battle: Women and the Civil War. Puffin Books, 1996.

• Murphy, Jim. Boys War: Confederate and Union Soldiers Talk About the Civil War. Clarion Books, 1993.

• Ray, Delia. Behind the Blue and Gray: The Soldier's Life in the Civil War (Young Readers' History of the Civil War. Puffin Books, 1996.

• Banks, Sara Harrell. Under the Shadow of the Wings. Simon & Schuster, 1997.

• Cormier, Robert. Other Bells for Us to Ring. Dell/Yearling, 1992.

Activity

Step 1: Remind students that Athena’s shield reveals a soldier wounded in battle. Even though the battle resulted in a victory, this warrior collapsed from a wound to his back. Ask students what the fallen warrior’s expression and pose convey about warfare and the military in ancient Greece?

Step 2: Have students research battles in which Americans have been involved (e.g., Gettysburg or Iwo Jima). Discuss their findings, and ask whether they think the Fallen Warrior sculpture realistically conveys the reality of battle and why.

Goals

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 18: Understand, analyze, and compare social systems with an emphasis on the United States.

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