Modernizing Myths from Ancient Greece

In the Modernizing Greek Myths lesson, students read and summarize a classic myth from Ancient Greece. Working in teams, they then brainstorm ways to bring that myth into the modern age. Teams write three minute plays based on their modern ideas, performing their work in front of the class to complete the project. The source myths for this activity were written by Lin Donn, and the King Midas radio play embedded in the PowerPoint presentation was created by the BBC.

For Google Docs and Slides links, please visit https://www.ctlessons.org/social-studies/modernizing-myths.html

Topics addressed:
Cultural and religious significance of Ancient Greek myths
Primary CT concept: abstraction. Students identify the central theme and/or moral from their myth and create an entirely new story that symbolizes the same tenet.

Students will be able to:
Identify the central theme and moral of a specific Greek myth
Write and perform a modern adaptation of a Greek myth of their choosing

Materials:
PowerPoint presentation
Student worksheet
Original myths
Lined paper for students to write their short plays

Prep:
Print enough copies of each original myth such that teams will have at least a few options to choose from

Suggested lesson breakdown:
2min – activity introduction with PowerPoint presentation
15min – class listens to King Midas myth radio play (in PowerPoint presentation)
5min – finish introducing activity with PowerPoint presentation
15min – teams of three students read and summarize their selected Greek myth
30-60min – teams write their modern adaptations in play form
20-30min – teams present their plays to the class