The Genetics of Greek Gods

This is a project based unit that is planned for 3 weeks.

• Consider beginning the unit by taking a classroom inventory of traits. Students will identify which traits they have and together we will graph the frequency of traits in our class demographic. Class Discussion: Genetically, how are you like your classmates? Genetically, how are you different? WHY?
• Students will learn about how genes can be passed down from parents to offspring, and the difference between acquired and inherited traits. Students will work in groups and use their understanding of genetics to identify the traits of book characters from fairy tales and myths, and to determine whether these traits are acquired or inherited.
• Students will read several age-appropriate Greek myths and will identify how the gods in each myth respond to challenges. They will discuss (in groups) how the actions of these gods can be attributed to acquired traits and whether any of their actions can be attributed to inherited traits. We will also make connections between traits as they are described in mythology and traits as they are explained in grade appropriate fantasy novels.
• Students will practice writing about a character and describing their traits in a natural way for a fictional story. Students will create a lego-build of gods and goddesses based on mythology read in their library elective. The lego-build will involve depicting character traits.
• Students will choose their favorite god and goddess from the selected myths and will compile a list of their inherited traits (including specific powers). They will then create a new god or goddess and they will roll the dice to determine which traits the new character will inherit from his or her parents.
• Students will use descriptive details and clear event sequences to write one myth of no less than 5 paragraphs about their new god, and within their stories, students will be careful to weave in details about their character’s inherited and acquired traits in a natural way.
• Students will view art from multiple sources, including the NCMA, to observe how gods and goddesses from cultures around the world have been portrayed by other artists in sculptures, paintings, pottery, etc. Students will use this knowledge to create a two-dimensional illustration (in the medium/media of their choice) that accompanies their myth.
• Students will create a life-sized hallway display of their god or goddess that includes a brief introduction of the character, his or her personality, and most important acquired or inherited traits.
• See examples of student work here:

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Written by: Lisa Buch and Morgan Vick-Ferrell