The Olympics of Ancient Greece WebQuest

Virginia English SOLs 3.4, 3.6, 3.10

Sherry Case
Green Valley Elementary School
Roanoke County Public Schools
Roanoke, Virginia
ccase@rcs.k12.va.us

Have you ever participated in a stade race? How about a tethrippon? Maybe you’ve been in a dolichos. These were the names of some of the events in the first Olympic Games. The Olympic Games have grown and changed since the first contests were held in ancient Greece. However, one aspect of the games remains the same --- their ability to inspire amazing performances from the world’s best athletes.

Task

You will search the internet, using the given sites, to gain information about the early Olympic Games. You will work together in a small group to answer the questions that follow. Make sure you take notes and transfer your work to a Word document.

Advice

The Internet sites have lots of good information. Be sure you read the selections carefully. Take your time when finding the correct answer.

Process

· You will be assigned to a group of 3 members. You will be expected to work together cooperatively.

· Divide up the responsibilities. One person should read aloud the questions. Another person will access the Web site. And the last person will record the information.

· When you have completed your research, choose one event from the ancient Olympics, write a brief description and provide a picture (hand drawn or cut and pasted) in a Word document.

· Your group will present your findings to the class. Each member of the group will be expected to participate in the presentation.

· Have fun and be creative! The questions are below.

1. Name the events in the very first Olympics.

2. Identify the 5 events that were part of the original pentathlon.

3. What were some of the other events in the first Olympic Games?

4. What were the prizes?

5. If you were an athlete, which game would you have participated in and why? How have the Games changed through the years?

Internet Sites