Download Greek Mythology Word Origin

Word Origin Assignment
Many students question why we study mythology and Greek word parts, well, the English
language has deep roots in the Greek language and mythological stories.
Directions: Students will be assigned a word and research that word back to Greek origin.
Student will create a chart to show the origin and story behind the word (see example). The
visual chart will be graded on research, sources (other than EH Mythology), and organization.
The student will then present the visual chart and teach the rest of the class the origin of their
word. The presentation will be graded on clarity, use of language, signs of practice. Please use
the attached rubric.
DUE DATE: November 17, 2010
Rating
Excellent
4
Rating
Good
3
Rating
Satisfactory
2
Rating
Needs Improvement
1
Use of Language
Use of language
contributes to
effectiveness of the
speech, and vocalized
pauses
(um uh er etc.)
not distracting
Use of language does
not have negative
impact, and vocalized
pauses
(um uh er etc.)
not distracting
Use of language
causes potential
confusion, and/or
vocalized pauses
(um uh er etc.)
are distracting
Use of language is
inappropriate
Clarity
Speaks clearly and
distinctly all the time with
no mispronounced words.
Speaks clearly and
distinctly nearly all the
time with no more
than one
mispronounced word
Speaks clearly and
distinctly most of the
time with no more
than two
mispronounced
words
Often mumbles or can not
be understood with more
than three mispronounced
words
Practice
Clear sign of practice
before presentation.
Speaker is relaxed and
confident.
Some sign of practice
before presentation.
Speaker is somewhat
relaxed and confident.
Little sign of practice
before presentation.
No sign of practice is
evident.
Research
Information clearly relates
to the main topic. It
includes several supporting
details and/or examples.
All sources (information
and graphics) are
accurately documented in
the desired format.
Information clearly
relates to the main
topic. No details
and/or examples are
given.
All sources
(information and
graphics) are
accurately
documented, but
many are not in the
desired format.
Information is
organized, but
paragraphs are not
well-constructed.
Information has little or
nothing to do with the
main topic.
Sources
Information clearly
relates to the main
topic. It provides 1-2
supporting details
and/or examples.
All sources
(information and
graphics) are
accurately
documented, but a
few are not in the
desired format.
Information is
organized with wellconstructed
paragraphs.
Criterion
Organization
Information is very
organized with wellconstructed paragraphs
and subheadings.
Some sources are not
accurately documented.
The information appears to
be disorganized.
Score
Cut the following words and have the student pick one out of a bowl and that is their word to
research.
1. arachnid
8. echo
15. jovial
22. museum
29. stentorian
2. atlas
9. furious
16. labyrinth
23. nemesis
30. tantalize
3. atrophy
10. halcyon
17. lethargic
24. phobia
31. titanic
4. cereal
11. harp
18. mentor
25. psychology
32. typhoon
5. cerebral
12. helium
19. mercurial
26. python
33. vestal
6. chaos
13. hydrant
20. mint
27. siren
34. volcano
7. chronology
14. hypnotic
21. morphine
28. somnolent
35. vulcanize
Mythological Connections:
Alcyone - daughter of Aeolus who married King Ceyx and then threw herself into the sea
when she learned he had drowned. They were both transformed into kingfishers
(alkyon)which, according to legend, build their nests and hatch their eggs on the Aegean
Sea during a short period of calm waters
Atlas - The Titan who was made to hold up the heavens.
Atropos - one of the Three Fates (Moirai): the cutter of the thread of life; inflexible
Cerberus - the three-headed dog which guarded the entrance to Hades
Ceres (Demeter) - goddess of grain and growing
Chaos - the beginning of creation
Cronos - Titan; ruler of the universe; represented time
Echo - a nymph punished by Hera for talking too much; punishment was that she could
speak only the last word someone else spoke
Heracles - a very strong Greek hero; became a god after he had performed 12 tasks
Hydra - many headed serpent slain by Heracles; water snake of Greek mythology
Hypnos - one of the gods of sleep and of dreams
Labyrinth - a building made by Daedulus to imprison the minotaur
Lethe - river of forgetfulness; one of the rivers one crossed to reach Hades
Mercury (Hermes) - messenger of the gods, noted for his speed
Morpheus - a god of sleep
Pan - a shepherd with a man's head and torso, goat's legs and horns. Liked to frighten
humans.
Phobos - son of Ares; god of fear
< mind the of goddess Eros; wife>
Python - a monstrous serpent killed by Apollo
Somnos - a god of sleep
Stentor - a herald of the gods noted for his loud voice
Tantalus - son of Zeus and Pluto who was punished by the gods for his pride; in Hades he
was placed neck deep in water which receded every time he went to drink. When he tried to
reach the fruit which grew on the branches above him, the fruit moved out of reach.
The Furies - formed from Uranus blood; were spirits of revenge
The Sirens - nymphs who captured sailors by singing and luring them into the rocks
Typhon - a monster with 100 snake heads of fire; lost a fierce battle with Zeus
Vulcan (Hephaestus) - god of fire; blacksmith for the gods