1. Form groups of three people.

2. Groups will decide which god/goddess to research.  Here is a list of the 12 Olympian gods and goddesses:  Zeus, Poseidon, Hestia, Hades, Hermes, Hera, Hephestus, Aphrodite, Apollo, Ares, Artemis and Athena.

3. You have been introduced to many gods/goddesses through different myths.  As a class, brainstorm ideas that you think make a "great" god/goddess.  Complete this statement: "A great god/goddess is one who..." (i.e. think of personality traits, powers, etc.).  You will vote on the top six criteria.

4. Divide the six criteria among the group members (two for each member).  Working individually, locate and record accurate background information for each criterion and record it in note form.  Use these web sites below, as well as materials provided in the classroom.
 

The Olympians Index of Biographies The Ancient Gods Greek Mythology Gods of Greece The Greek Gods The 12 Olympians Characters of Greek Mythology

5. Share the information among your group members once you have completed your research.

6. Develop reasons, based upon your research, that you group would use to explain why the god/goddess is the greatest.

7. Prepare a brief written report and a visual/oral presentation to persuade your fellow reporters to accept your conclusion.  Include paragraphs, pictures or any other tools that will help you demonstrate your mastery of the subject matter and the wisdom of your decision.  Please see evaluation for the list of criteria you will be marked on.

8. After all the partner groups have presented their argument for the greatest god/goddess, decide individually upon the one you feel is the most to the least greatest.  The students will fill out a chart to rank the gods/goddesses and list reasons for ranking them in terms of their greatness using the established criteria.  Then, together the class will vote and rank the gods/goddesses from most to least greatest.  Remember, you are ranking the gods/goddesses, not your friends.