Subject: Social Studies & Computers
Grade Level: 6
Materials: The materials required are a computer with Internet access, Powerpoint, and the data research hand out.
About: This project focuses on the gods and goddesses of Greek Mythology. The students will be assigned one of the major Olympian gods/goddesses in Greek Mythology. They will use "The Gods of Mt. Olympus" webquest as a guide for understanding the project requirements and to help with their research. When students are done with the research, they will create a Powerpoint presentation about their god/goddess. The Powerpoint project will have active hyperlinks and action buttons to navigate through the slides. The students will present their projects to the class on our "Tribute to the Gods of Mt. Olympus" Day.
The overall value of this project is far-reaching. The students will be required to utilize proper Internet research techniques to gather data about their Greek god. By using the Internet as a research tool, the students are enthusiastic about learning.. While performing their Internet research, they will be gaining vast amounts of knowledge regarding Greek Mythology. The computer aspects of this project allows the students to gain more advanced skills in the use of Powerpoint. They will be able to utilize creativity in the design and layout of their slides.
Some ideas to help implement this project are to modify the project as needed based on student ability. Be sure to explain to the class the requirements for the Powerpoint. Have the student's dress like the god/goddess on the tribute day. This is a very engaging assignment. The students absolutely love to read and hear about the lives of the Greek gods and goddesses. It was one of the best projects on Greek gods and goddesses I have ever done with a class.
http://sandystonwalpack.org/Greek_Gods/index.htm
The students will conduct research using the Internet as a research tool. |
The students will create a Powerpoint presentation including hyperlinks and action buttons to navigate their slides. |
The students will modify slide layout and design in Powerpoint. |
The students will orally present information about a Greek god or goddess. |
The students will be able to identify the major Greek Olympian gods and goddesses. |
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6 |
Technology Literacy |
Use appropriate technology vocabulary. |
6 |
Technology Literacy |
Demonstrate effective input of text and data, using touch keyboarding with proper technique. |
6 |
Technology Literacy |
Design and produce a basic multimedia project. |
6 |
Technology Literacy |
Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse. |
6 |
Technology Literacy |
Describe and practice safe Internet usage. |
6 |
Technology Literacy |
Choose appropriate tools and information resources to support research and solve real world problems, including but not limited to: On-line resources and databases; Search engines and subject directorie |
6 |
Technology Literacy |
Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness of print and non-print electronic information sources. |
6 |
Social Studies |
Use effective strategies for locating information. |
6 |
Social Studies |
Summarize information in written, graphic, and oral formats. |
6 |
Social Studies |
Describe the significant contributions of ancient Greece to Western Civilization, including: Characteristics of Classic Greek art and architecture and how they are reflected in modern art and architecture Socrates values and ideas Philosophy, including Plato and Aristotle Greek Drama, including Sophocles and Euripides History, including Herodotus, Xenophon, and Thucydides Greek mythology |
6 |
Social Studies |
Discuss the influence of Greek culture on modern society. |
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Day 1: Introducation to Greek Mythology |
The students will gain a broad understanding of the beginnings of Greek mythology. |
The students will sequence how Greek mythology began. |
The students will recognize the major Olympian gods and goddesses. |
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The Beginning of Mythology - Handout |
The Gods and Goddesses of Mount Olympus - Handout |
"Greek Mythology" powerpoint |
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Ask students if they know what a "myth" is. |
Discuss myths in literature. |
Use the "Greek Mythology" Powerpoint to begin the introduction. |
Use "The Beginning of Mythology" handout to introduce how Greek mythology began. |
Sequence the events from the story. |
Use the "Gods and Goddesses of Mount Olympus" handout to introduce the Olympian gods. |
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Sequence the events of the beginning of Greek mythology. |
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Day 2: WebQuest Introduction |
The students will gain an understanding of the project. |
The students will conduct research on Greek gods/goddesses. |
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Computers with Internet access. |
God/Goddess Data Sheet |
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Have all students log on to their computers and navigate their way to the "Gods of Mt. Olympus" webquest. |
Go through the webquest as a class. |
Assign the students their god/goddess to research. |
Hand out the God/Goddess Data Sheet and go over. |
Give the students time to begin their research using the "Resources" section of the webquest. |
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Understanding of webquest and navigation of web to find information from data sheet. |
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Day 3: Powerpoint Layout/Design |
The students will utilize the "Slide Master" function in Microsoft Powerpoint. |
The students will format font style, color, and size. |
The students will design their slides, using "Slide Master", adding background color, text box color, and line color. |
The students will choose colors for their slides that coordinate with each other and look good in presentation mode. |
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Computer |
Microsoft Powerpoint |
God/Goddess Data Sheet |
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Log on to computer and open up Microsoft Powerpoint. |
Save project in network folder as the name of god/goddess assigned. |
Navigate to "Slide Master" function. (View, Slide, Slide Master). |
Discuss the use of color to help enhance presentation, not detract from presentation. |
Format background color. They may utilize the "Fill Effects" function if they choose. Make sure the colors coordinate and enhance their project. |
Remind students to save project and remember to save often. |
Have students select the text boxes and format the background color of the text box. Reminding them to make sure colors coordinate with already chosen background color. |
Have students select all text boxes and change the font style and color. Make sure font style is readable for a presentation and the font color coordinates with the rest of the colors already chosen for the project. |
Close Slide Master and save project. |
Have students add a title to the project and their name. |
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Continue researching god or goddess. |
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The students will be able to add text boxes to the Table of Contents slide of their powerpoint project. |
The students will format added text boxes to match rest of project. |
The students will create hyperlinks and connect textboxes to slides in the project. |
The students will add action buttons to link the slides back to the Table of Contents. |
The students will utilize the copy and paste functions. |
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Computer with network access so students can access their projects. |
Microsoft Powerpoint |
Data Sheet |
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Log on to computer and open up God/Goddess project. |
Add a new slide to project and label it "Table of Contents." |
Add a textbox to "Table of Contents" slide and format font style, font color, background and line color for textbox. Label it "Name." |
Copy textbox and paste it into "Table of Contents" slide. |
Format the new textbox with the new title. Label it "Symbols." |
Paste 4 textboxes, labeling them: "Myth, Domain, Interesting Facts, Family Relations." |
Add 6 new slides to the powerpoint presentation. Title each: "Myth, Name, Domain, Symbols, Interesting Facts, Family Relations." |
On one of the new 6 slides add an "Action Button". |
Link the action button back to the "Table of Contents" slide. |
Copy the action button and paste it onto the remaining slides. Preview the presentation to make sure all hyperlink textboxes and action buttons work. Save. |
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Make sure all hyperlinks and action buttons linked correctly. |
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Day 5: Input Data/Gather Graphics |
The students will insert graphics into their project. |
The students will site all graphic resources. |
The students will input data into their powerpoint. |
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Computer with Internet access and network capabilities |
Microsoft Powerpoint |
Data Sheet |
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Begin to input research data onto appropriate slides. |
Add graphics to slides. Make sure to site all graphic resources. |
Save project often. |
When completed with data and graphic input, students may then add slide transitions and animations. Only if all data/graphics are completed. |
Rehearse project for oral presentation. |
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** This may take an extra day or two for students to input data/graphics.** When students are done with inputting data/graphics hold the "Tribute to the Gods of Mt. Olympus" Day. They may dress up in character if they please. |
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Stacey Tarbell
starbell@sandystonwalpack.org
Sandyston Walpack Consolidated School
PO Box 128
Layton , NJ 07851
Stacey Tarbell has been teaching at the Sandyston Walpack Consolidated School in Layton, New Jersey for almost 10 years. She is currently the computer teacher for grades K through 6 and the sixth grade Social Studies teacher. Stacey earned her bachelor's degree from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. She went on to earn her master's degree in Educational Technology from Ramapo College. Being both the computer teacher and the 6th grade Social Studies teacher, Stacey actively integrates the two subject areas. Her students are continually improving their knowledge of ancient history through the use of the computer. Stacey also hosts many workshops for the staff members of Sandyston Walpack Consolidated School. Her workshops focus on technology integration into the current curriculum. She encourages her fellow colleagues to utilize the computers as much as possible in their lessons. |