Could dragons be dinosaurs? Are there mysterious half fish half human mermaids at the bottom of the ocean? Is there a mysteriously tall, hairy creature stalking the forests of North America?

In this ongoing class students will learn about some of the most infamous mythological creatures or monsters. The lesson is presented with a slide show with text, images, and videos when appropriate. I do a lot of story telling to bring the creatures to life. Throughout each class we will discuss possible scientific explanations, cultural beliefs that could lead to explanations, and sometimes explore the option that there may be supernatural causes.

This class does not attempt to teach or convince students that these monsters are real, it is designed to have students creatively, and critically, think about stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. 


Week One - Could dragons have been real? Were they big lizards, strange birds, or perhaps even dinosaurs?


Week Two - Vampires! Where does the idea of blood sucking monsters come from?


Week Three - Are their half human-half fish hybrids? And if there are, are they magical or monsters from the deep?


Week Four - Is there proof of giants? Both giant humans and giant forests?  Was the world a lot bigger once?


Week Five - Big Foot - Is there a very large, man like creature that stalks the forests of North America?