Curriculum Development Institute
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games are the subject of a differentiated instructional activity for a middle school classroom. Activities include researching the events in the ancient games and comparing them to events in the modern Olympics, gathering...
Curated OER
Origin of the Modern Summer Games
Where did the Olympic Summer Games originate? The class takes a look at ancient origins of modern Olympic games. They research the Olympics and write a compare and contrast essay that describes how the Olympic Games have changed since...
Anti-Defamation League
What is the Soul Cap and Why Was it Rejected for Olympic Use?
In 2021 the FINA, the International Swimming Federation, banned using Soul Caps in the Tokyo Olympics. Middle schoolers investigate why the committee made this decision and the resulting backlash, including charges of discrimination and...
Curated OER
Origin of the Modern Olympic Games
Students using a Venn diagram, compare and contrast the modern and ancient Olympic games. They write essays and construct timelines about the games. Students, using various items, create tools for a new Olympic game and write the...
National Endowment for the Humanities
The Victor's Virtue: A Cultural History of Sport
Pupils explore the meaning of the ancient Greek word aretê and the place of virtue in historical athletic competition and modern sports. They begin by reading an informational text on the goal of sports in education, and then evaluate...
Curated OER
Comparing the Ancient and Modern Olympics: A Venn Diagram
Young scholars compare and contrast today's Olympic Games to those held in ancient Greece. They read newspapers, conduct Internet research, watch TV coverage of current Olympic Games and organize their findings on a Venn diagram.
Curated OER
Politics and the Olympics
Students discover details regarding Olympics controversies. In this international politics lesson, students research Olympic games of the Modern Era noting the controversies surrounding Beijing Olympics. Students create brochures that...
Curated OER
Origin of the Modern Summer Games
Students discover the origin of the modern summer Olympic Games. In this history activity, students compare and contrast the modern and ancient Olympic Games as they create a timeline.
Curated OER
Learning From the Past
Coming up on the Olympics? Be sure your middle schoolers understand the dynamic and ancient history of this global tradition. They begin by recalling traditions parents have passed down, considering their relevance and ways they might be...
Curated OER
The Ancient Olympic Games
Sixth graders complete a KWL chart about the Olympic Games. They watch a PowerPoint presentation about ancient Olympics. Each student completes a worksheet during the PowerPoint. Students write a summary of the information presented...
Curated OER
Olympics (World Celebrations)
Pupils recognize the meanings and symbolism of the Olympic Flag and Torch and apply this to their own feelings of the classroom by creating their own symbol/flag to represent these feelings.
Curated OER
The Ancient Olympic Games
Sixth graders explore the ancient Olympic Games. In this ancient history lesson plan, 6th graders view a PowerPoint presentation that compares the ancient Olympics to the modern games. Students discuss and review the material before they...
Curated OER
The Athens Olympics
Students explore the history of the Olympics. They read a story about London's bid to host the Olympic games. In groups, students produce an arena for the Olympics and create a creed for the competition. Students discuss and share...
Curated OER
Origin of the Modern Summer Games
Students research the ancient Olympic Games. In this Olympic Games lesson plan, students discuss Pierre de Coubertin, Greek culture, and ancient Olympia. Students complete two readings. Students write an essay about the spirit of...
Curated OER
Living in an "Olympic" Country
Pupils research countries participating in the Olympic Games. They create a database which includes graphs for comparing population density, the number of athletes, per capita income, etc. for each country. This project is completed...
Curated OER
Olympic Mascot Lesson
Students investigate the 1968 Olympics by identifying their mascots. For this Olympic history lesson, students participate in a group activity where they match countries with their representative mascots. Students analyze the meaning...
Curated OER
The Olympic Games
Students research the history of the Olympics and the various countries that have hosted the games. They obtain information about some of the sports featured in the Olympics. Students then create a brochure using Microsoft Publisher.
Curated OER
Go For The Gold!
Third graders read fiction and nonfiction works for comprehension. Using the internet, 3rd graders participate in a WebQuest. They compare and contrast the Olympics in ancient Greece to the modern day Olympics. Afterwards, students...
Curated OER
The Seven Wonders of the World: The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
Students explore the culture of classical Greece by examining The Statue of Zeus at Olympia. In this Seven Wonders of the World lesson, students will expand their understanding of Greek mythology, the Olympics and the Greek Isles....
Curated OER
What Does That Flag Mean?
Middle schoolers describe how symbolism is used in flags as they research the symbolism in country flags and create a new flag design. They begin investigating the meaning behind the Olympic flag and then continue with the flags of South...
Curated OER
Modern Greece Fights For Ancient History
Students study the history of Ancient Greece and its society through Internet research. They investigate information about the Parthenon and its marble structures.
Curated OER
It's All Greek to Us
Pupils examine the various ways in which ancient Greek culture has influenced modern-day life. They study the context in which modern-day Greeks consider the 2004 Summer Olympics by reading and discussing the article "Where It All...
Curated OER
Role Models
Sixth graders examine the characteristics of role models. In this biography instructional activity, 6th graders debate the qualities of role models. Students work individually to research a historical or modern role model and create a...
Curated OER
Partner Switcheroo Stunt Hunt
Students practice tumbling skills. In this physical education lesson, students use their flexibility skills in order to follow the provided procedures to play Switcheroo Stunt Hunt.