Real-Life Beasts of Greek Mythology: Echidna, Medusa, Chimaera, Hydra
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Each week, we'll check out a different mythical creature from Greek mythology, and discuss the real animals that are named after them. We'll look at classical art and photos and videos of our featured creatures, and engage in fun discussions in which learner participation is encouraged. To conclude each session, we will create our own trading cards featuring both the mythological characters and their real life counterparts, so that at the conclusion of the class, learners will have a deck of their own cards to review and share. Throughout the course, learners are encouraged to bring any books or other resources that they would like to share concerning mythology and astronomy, and to take an active role in each discussion. Week 1: Echidna. The mythical Echidna was the mother of many of the most famous monsters in Greek mythology, including Cerberus, the Sphinx, and the Hydra. We’ll check out this awesome half-woman, half-snake and discuss her most famous offspring. We’ll also look at the real echidna, a strange spiny egg-laying mammal! Week 2: Medusa. The tale of the most famous Gorgon is famous and sad. We’ll talk about Medusa and her famous offspring, including Pegasus and the warrior Chrysaor. Did you know that all jellyfish have a “Medusa” stage in their development? We’ll look at some of the strangest and most beautiful, and then zoom in on the so-called “immortal jellyfish”, which can generate new polyps from its medusa stage! Week 3: Chimaera. The chimaera of Greek mythology was a fire-breathing hybrid of a lion, goat, and snake. We’ll take a look at this monstrous creature and then at the awesome group of cartilaginous fish named after this beast, also known as ghost sharks, rat fish, spookfish, or rabbit fish. Week 4: Hydra. This is one of the most famous beasts in Greek mythology, a many-headed creature that spits venom and has poisonous blood. When one head is cut off, two more regrow! Even the great Heracles needed help to defeat it. We’ll take a look at its namesake, an awesome tiny creature with regenerating abilities! No previous knowledge of Greek mythology or biology is necessary to enjoy this class, but all levels of expertise are welcome!
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Greek myths contain violent themes and imagery. For example, the Hydra is defeated by having its heads cut off. Although we won't be showing graphic images and will be discussing the myths in general terms, mentions of violence will be included.
Supply List
To complete the trading card project, students will have a choice of printouts, or can use blank paper. Any art supplies, such as pencil, eraser, marker, crayon, colored pencil or digital drawing will work for this project.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
My name is Lisa and I love science! I'm a science educator at the American Museum of Natural History, and I want to bring science classes straight to you. Some of my favorite topics are:
-Rocks and Minerals - Geology rocks!
-Volcanoes - Explosive fun
-Paleontology - Dinosaurs and other ancient creatures
-Space - The final frontier
And more!
Science should be every child's favorite subject. It's how we learn about the world, after all! Science can help us solve problems, as well as give us fun new questions to think about. Throughout all our classes, we'll discuss how scientific thinking is different from other fields, and how anyone - including kids! - can be a scientist!
Fun facts about me:
-I love to travel! The furthest from home I've ever been is Antarctica (2007-8) but I also love to visit active volcanoes, especially in Hawaii.
-My favorite animals are sea turtles. I have participated in scientific research with leatherbacks, hawksbills, and loggerheads.
-I have participated in two archaeological digs - one in the Peruvian mountains and the other near Hadrian's Wall in England.
-I am a homeschooling mom (by choice! Not because of COVID-19!)
-My favorite Star Wars character is Obi-Wan Kenobi, but Baby Yoda is pretty cute too!
Reviews
Live Group Class
$45
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
50 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-9
3-9 learners per class
This class is no longer offered
Financial Assistance
Tutoring
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