Middle School Mythology

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Introduction   Task   Process   Evaluation   Conclusion

Introduction

We're glad that such a prestigious group of researchers has joined us today!  We're in a bit of a pickle, because our regular staff has come down with quite a virulent flu bug, and will be unable to reach their deadline.  So, we at the Thompson Publishing Agency are offering you a bonus to finish their job, if you can do so quickly & to our satisfaction.

You see, our staff was right in the middle of putting together a textbook for Middle School students based on a study of Greek and Roman Mythology.  However, the work they had completed was lost- like the workers, their computers came down with a 'bug' as well, and their files were infected & consequently are inaccessible. 

Because of the looming deadline, we realize that the work must be split.  Each of you will be responsible for only one chapter of the textbook, focused on one mythological figure.  We hope you will not bore these pre-teens & young adults, though- we want you to present the information to your target audience in an interesting, attention-grabbing, teen-friendly format.

Task

There are two parts to your task:  Research & Product Development

Part One:  Research

You will pick one mythological figure from the list below, and find as much information as possible about that figure by using Internet, video, & text sources. You may wish to find out:

Part Two:  Product Development

You have several choices for your final product.  Your textbook chapter can be in any form, including, but not limited to:

As mentioned, any format is acceptable, but it must be typewritten.  We suggest using Microsoft Word or Publisher to create your document.  See "Evaluation" section for specifics.

Process

Be careful as you research Greek and Roman myths.  Use the websites listed below, but be aware that searching for this topic & various subtopics may occasionally bring you to inappropriate sites.  If this happens, let someone know, then exit the site. 

Evaluation

Following this guideline will guarantee that your chapter is included in our Middle School Mythology textbook without having to be rewritten.


 

CATEGORY
4
3
2
1
Details
The details are clear, effective, and vivid 90-100% of the time, and new compared to class info.
The details are clear and pertinent and new 80-100% of the time.
The details in the articles are clear and pertinent 75-89% of the time, but may repeat class info.
The details in more than 25% of the articles are neither clear nor pertinent, or simply repeat what was learned in class.
Requirements
All of the required content (name, relationships, interesting powers, stories) was present. Correct bibliography must also be included.
Almost all the required content was present. Bibliography included, and mostly correct.
At least 75% of the required content was present. Bibliography included, but major errors in format.
Less than 75% of the required content was present. No bibliography.
Articles - Interest
The format contains facts, figures, and/or word choices that make them exceptionally interesting to readers.
The format contains facts, figures, and/or word choices that make them interesting to readers.
The format contains some facts or figures but is marginally interesting to read.
The format does not contain facts or figures that might make it interesting to read.
Format Fit
The information was accurate and there was a clear reason chossing this format- followed format correctly.
The information was accurate and there was a fairly good reason for choosing this format, which was mostly correct.
The information was occasionally inaccurate or misleading, but there was a clear reason for including this format, which may have errors.
The information was typically inaccurate, or format wasn't followed correctly.
Graphics
At least two graphics are in focus, are well-cropped and are clearly related to the information they accompany.
At least two graphics are in focus and are clearly related to the info. they accompany.
Only one graphic that clearly relates to the information it accompanies.
Neither graphic is clearly related to the info., OR no graphics were used.
Spelling and Proofreading
No spelling or grammar errors remain in the final copy.
No more than two spelling or grammar errors remain.
No more than 3-4 spelling or grammar errors remain.
More than 4 spelling or grammar errors remain in the final copy.

 

Conclusion

Answer the following on loose-leaf at the end of your project.

1.  What was the most interesting thing you learned about your mythological figure?  Why was this the most interesting bit of information?

2.  Did you feel comfortable searching the web with the given websites?  Why or why not?

3.  What did you like best (& least) about the format you chose for your final presentation?

4.  What would you do the next time you had to do a similar project to make yourself even more successful?