This lesson will help students understand that Greek mythology was based on a polytheistic religion that was integral to culture, politics, and art in ancient Greece.  Students will see examples  of Western civilization’s symbols, metaphors, words, and idealized images which come from ancient Greek mythology.  The students will search for the names and area of influence for Greek gods and goddesses, and they will create a project which illustrates their understanding of the role of a Greek god or goddess.  Students will need Chromebooks, Ipads or other devices by which they can access the Internet.  

The lessons in this unit provide you with an opportunity to use online resources to further enliven your students' encounter with Greek mythology, to deepen their understanding of what myths meant to the ancient Greeks, and to help them appreciate the meanings that Greek myths have for us today. In the lessons below, students will learn about Greek conceptions of the hero, the function of myths as explanatory accounts, the presence of mythological terms in contemporary culture, and the ways in which mythology has inspired later artists and poets.