Olympic Games: A Historic Proposal
Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion
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Introduction
In 776 B.C. the ancient Greeks
began a tradition that lasted for over 1100 years. They stopped all wars and
each city-state sent their best athletes to the plain at Olympia to compete for
the honor of Zeus at the Olympic Games. In 2004 A.D. the modern Olympic Games
will be held in Athens, Greece. This return to the country of the Games'
ancient origins has the potential to be a historic event. However, the success
depends on a careful plan.
Task
Your
task will be to create a proposal for the events of the 2004 Olympic Games in
Athens. The Greek government has ordered that the proposals must focus on the
historical roots of the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece. A successful proposal
will design an Olympic Games that allows the spectators and athletes
to experience the ancient tradition like no other modern Olympics has
ever done.
Your proposal must identify the most important ancient events and include an explanation of how the historical roots of each of those events will be preserved in the modern competition.
Process
Day 1
1. Each student must complete the History
of the Ancient Olympics Handout
2. Each student must choose 6 athletic events from the ancient Olympics and analyze them using the Ancient Olympic resources below and the Ancient Olympic event worksheet.
3. Using the Modern Olympic web sites, student should research the modern Olympic events and identify the events that are most similar to his or her ancient Olympic events. Record the similarities and differences on the Olympic Comparison worksheet.
4. After students have compiled his or her individual information, the student should create a final presentation. This final presentation may be in the form of a brochure, a written proposal, or poster board; must address the objectives; and must have visual aids.
- Restrictions or requirements for clothing/uniforms;
- Restrictions or requirements for equipment;
- Rules of the event (Include what athletes must do to win and how the event will be judged, and what will the winner receive.);
- Description of the facility where the event will be held.
Information about the ancient Olympics
Information about the Modern Olympics
Evaluation
Students will be evaluated based
on the rubric provided by the teacher. In general, a successful project will be
one that is organized, attractive, and, most importantly, provides accurate,
factual information.
Conclusion
After completing your proposal for the
2004 Olympics in Athens, you should have a better understanding of the
historical roots of these important athletic events that occur every four years
just as in ancient times. You might also realize the work that goes into the
planning of the Olympics. You have only focused on a few events; imagine what
organizing all of the competitions, the building of the facilities, and the
planning for the spectators must be like.
Ms. Kristen Cieplak
10/01/01