sirens+in+the+distance

__Introduction and Overview__
Can anyone ignore a siren? Sure today we think of them as loud and annoying sounds, but those things on top of police cars are actually named after the mythological women that once tempted the great Odysseus. These sirens sang so temptingly that men were drawn to them, even though the bones of other victims were clearly visible in the area surrounding the sirens. Their song was impossible to ignore - much like the sirens that warn us about emergency vehicles today!

One of the coolest things about Homer's //The Odyssey// is Homer's storytelling abilities. The classical tale of an epic hero's journey home incorporates classical myth and mythology that endure today. Many people are surprised that words or concepts we use today actually have roots in the stories told by the Ancient Greeks and Romans. In this lesson, you will explore this aspect of the epic poem, conduct your own research, and create artifacts which will document your findings about the mythological creature of your choosing. I know, it sounds like a lot, but don't worry - it will be so much fun that you won't even remember you're learning!

Read the instructions and follow the steps. We will periodically stop and review as a class after each step, but feel free to move at your own pace. Be prepared to work hard, play hard, and share your best work with your classmates! And when you're sure you're done with this page, click on the link to get started!

__Goals and Objectives__
By the end of the lesson, students will: ====
 * Reflect and react to print and online text
 * Work cooperatively to conduct research
 * Find resources useful for continued study of //The Odyssey//
 * Create artifacts to inform an audience
 * Define, identify, describe mythological characters
 * Read poetry and analyze meaning, symbolism, and characterization
 * Answer questions regarding readings
 * Engage in discussion about mythological beings in //The Odyssey//
 * Apply conventions of grammar and language usage

__Outline__

 * 1) Step 1 - "Atwood's 'Siren Song'"
 * 2) Step 2 - "Researching Myths and Monsters"

__Materials Needed__

 * Laptops / Computers
 * Internet Access
 * Copy of //The Odyssey// (print or online)
 * Imagination
 * Paper and Pencil (Optional)
 * Wikispaces Account

__Assessment(s)__

 * Discussion Boards
 * Quizzes / Interactive Worksheet
 * Artifacts and Final Product