Olympics Internet Activity

6^th Grade Social Studies

INTRODUCTION
The Olympics, both modern and ancient, are sports events that are designed to bring out pride in ones country/city-state, demonstrate athletic skills, highlight culture and unite the competitors and spectators. We want to bring this spirit to the 6th graders here at BMS.

TASK
Research the ancient and modern games to develop a plan for us to use at BMS.
Your task is to learn about the Olympics, both modern and ancient, to help your teachers prepare a version of the games.  In order to complete your assignment, you will need to research the games so when you develop your plan it is an authentic representation.

PROCEDURE
Step 1
Using the websites listed, answer the following questions:

• Events

What events were/are held?

• http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/worldhistory/ancientgreekolympics2.htm
• http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/games/olympics2.htm
• http://www.olympic.org/uk/sports/index_uk.asp

• Reasons

What was/is the reason for the games?

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/greeks/greek_olympics_01.shtml
• http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/games/olympics.htm
• http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_668.pdf
• http://www.olympic.org/uk/organisation/missions/charter_uk.asp

• Oaths/Truces

What was the sacred truce?

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/the_olympic_games/
• http://www.pe04.com/olympic/trivia/index.php

What kind of oaths did they take?  Why?

• http://www.pe04.com/olympic/trivia/oath_t.php

• Locations/Dates

When was the last ancient game held, when did they begin and where were they held?

• http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/games/olympics.htm

When did the modern games begin and where were some of the places they were held?

• http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/index_uk.asp

• Awards

What types of awards were given to the winners?

• http://www.pe04.com/olympic/athens1896/medal_1896.php
• http://www.pe04.com/olympic/olympia/prizes_o.php
• http://www.teamusa.org/resources/olympic-facts-figures/olympic-honors/u-s-olympic-spirit-award

• Symbols

What symbols represent the Olympics?

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/the_olympic_games/http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/the_olympic_games/
• http://www.pe04.com/olympic/trivia/flag_t.php
• http://www.pe04.com/olympic/trivia/index.php

7.  Cultural Events
Besides the events, what else took/takes place at the Olympics?
a)    http://www.ancientgreece.co.uk/festivals/story/sto_set.html
b)   http://www.pe04.com/olympic/trivia/ceremony_t.php
c)            http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_668.pdf

8.   Women 
How has the role of women changed from the Ancient Games to the modern?
a)    http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/the_olympic_games/
b)    http://www.olympicwomen.co.uk/Potted.htm
c)      http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_668.pdf

When you finish, Enter Olympia and try the following:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/the_olympic_games/
(Scroll down to the activities sections on the left and click on the link The Olympics – visit the ancient Games.)

Step 2
Next, working in groups, you will develop a plan that incorporates aspects of the ancient and modern games into our BMS Olympics in the areas of events, opening/closing ceremonies, awards and symbols.

EVALUATION
See rubric

CONCLUSION

Students will participate in a school wide Olympics that integrates their research and plans and accurately reflects Greek life and cultu