Geomythology Educational Resources K12 Learning, World, History Lesson Plans, Activities, Experiments, Homeschool Help

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

The word myth has become synonymous with words like false and made-up.

What if someone told you that researchers now believe there is truth in the myths of old?

Some scientists are using world mythology as a way to uncover ancient natural disasters!

Have you ever heard of the Lost City of Atlantis?

underwater ruins of the Atlantis civilization

Many think a story about an entire city that was swallowed up by the sea is just a myth, but scientists discovered a lost city under the sea in 2018! Wow!

So myths, like the lost city of Atlantis, are being referred to and considered by scientists today to uncover lost parts of our history.

In this lesson, you'll learn about mythology and how scientists and historians have discovered some truth in these old legends.

What is your favorite myth?

Take a look at a few Mythology summaries.

In the myths you read, can you detect any historical facts or any information that can be used to understand history?
What value could stories like these have for a historian?

The myths of many cultures can be fun, fanciful, inspiring, and confusing. We don't normally think of them as true, but every story — even stories that are made up — contains some element of truth.

As it turns out, scientists are discovering more truth in ancient myths and legends than they ever expected.

How is that possible?

Read Ancient legends give an early warning of modern disasters and record the following.

at least three examples of myths
the cultures that transmitted those myths
the confirmed information revealed by the myths

Then, reflect on the following questions.

What methods could scientists possibly use to confirm the content of ancient stories?
What are the steps or the evidence you think they could employ to uncover forgotten truths?

There are thousands upon thousands of myths and legends. These stories have many different purposes — they are told to teach moral lessons, to celebrate identity, and to entertain, among other things. The challenge is to read them for possible historical facts!

Carry on to the Got It? section to examine some myth sources.