Grade level:
    6 - 7

Subjects:
    Language Arts
    Art
    Computers and Technology

Learner Outcomes:
  After learning what a myth is, students will apply that knowledge to create original myths explaining some thing, event or occurrence in the modern world. (i.e. - fax machine, the world wide web, rock & roll music, etc.).  Students will present these myths as Power Point presentations, making use of scanners and digital cameras.
    For the theatre/drama component, students will modify their original myths/Power Point presentations into script form for stage performances.
 

Duration of Lesson:
    5 - 7 days

Materials:
    Computer with Internet access
    Microsoft Office
    Digital camera
    Scanner
    Projection device

Technology tools:
    Computer with Internet access
    Microsoft Office
    Digital camera
    Scanner
    Projection device

Teacher notes:
  A signed acceptable use policy should be on file.

Procedures:
    1. Have students review What are Myths?.   After reviewing the information, instruct students to create original myths explaining some thing, event or occurrence in the modern world (i.e. - fax machines, the world wide web, space travel, the stock market, rock & roll music, etc.).
    2. Instruct students to modify their original myths into Power Point presentations, making use of illustrations or images via scanner and/or digital cameras.
    3.  After students have created original myths, instruct them to modify the myth into a script for stage performance.  Students should find a frieze, relief sculpture or other art work that could be used as a model for a segment of their stage performance.  Access Art/Architecture Resource page.
    4.  Living Art component:  At the appropriate, pre-determined point in the performance, performers should "freeze" on the stage to emphasize/illustrate their chosen "frieze", sculpture, or art work from step #3 above. At this point in the performances, digital photos should be taken of the "freeze-/frieze" to add to the Power Point presentations.

Modifications:
  Adjustments may be made according to students' I.E.P.'s as needed.

Enrichment Activities:
    Students could modify their original myths into comic strip format.
    Students could modify their original myths into fables.  Each fable should have a moral.  (For reference, see the definition of a fable  or examples of Aesop's fables.)

Evaluation/Assessment:
  Assessment rubric for the original myths, Power Point presentations and performances

West Virginia IGO's and National Standards:
  English Lang Arts IGO's:
     6.11, 6.14, 6.16, 6.17, 6.18, 6.19, 6.22, 6.26, 6.27, 6.32,
     6.33, 6.34, 6.35, 6.44, 6.48, 6.52, 6.54, 6.60, 6.65, 6.67,
     6.82, 6.132, 6.135, 6.136, 6.137, 6.139, 6.140, 6.141,
     6.153, 6.154, 6.156, 6.160, 7.19 - 7.37, 7.38 - 7.50, 7.52, 7.66,

  Art IGO's :
     6.1, 6.8, 6.15 - 6.19, 6.24, 7.1, 7.2, 7.6, 7.8, 7.14

  Technology Related IGO's:
     Social Studies 6.60, 7.60
     Language Arts 6.154 - 6.157, 7.164 - 7.165, 7.172 - 7.173

  National Standards for Language Arts:
     *Gathers and uses information for research purposes
     *Demonstrates competence in the general skills and strategies of the reading process
     *Demonstrates competence in the general strategies for reading a variety of literary texts

   National Standards for Art:
            Understands and applies media, techniques, and processes related to the  visual arts
            Knows how to use structures (e.g., sensory qualities, organization principles, expressive features
   and functions of art)
            Knows a range of subject matter, symbols, and potential ideas in the visual arts

    National Standards for Technology:
            Knows the characteristics and uses of computer hardware and operating systems.
            Knows the characteristics and uses of computer software programs.
            Understands the nature and uses of different forms of technology.

Career Clusters:
            Fine arts and Humanities

References:
          http://www.dl.ket.org/latin1/mythology/whatisa.htm
          http://www.encyclopedia.com/articles/04342.html
          http://www.pacificnet.net/~johnr/aesop/
 
 

Authors:
     Mark Graham, Melissa Ridenour, & Vicky Neal
      Bruceton School - Preston County Schools