School Projects on Apollo

Apollo is an important god within Greek mythology.

Apollo, the ancient Greek god of music, learning, healing and prophecy, was also associated with the sun. He's an important figure in ancient Greek myth and religion. Exploring stories, ancient artworks and beliefs about Apollo can offer children an introduction to Greek mythology and the world of the ancient Greek civilization.

Apollo and the Greek Gods and Goddesses

Apollo's father, Zeus, was the god of thunder and lightning.

Apollo was part of a family of 12 principal Greek deities. A research project could involve groups of children each being assigned a god or goddess, including Apollo, to research. Have each group offer a class presentation introducing a deity and explaining their relationship to Apollo. Pictures could be included as part of the presentation. An example could be "This is Zeus, Apollo's father. He was king of all the gods."

Apollo in Greek Art

Students can design their own Greek vase.

Apollo was a popular subject for Greek sculpture and vase painting. He is recognizable as a handsome young man, often playing the lyre and wearing a crown of laurel. An activity could involve introducing students to Greek statues and vase paintings and showing them how Apollo can be identified. Introduce students to how Greek vases told a story. Have students look at the different kinds of Greek vases and determine their uses. Hev students create Greek vase or plate designs, showing pictures of Apollo.

Apollo and Greek Myth

The island of Delos plays a role in Greek mythology.

There's a story of the birth of Apollo and his twin sister, Artemis, on the island of Delos, where his mother fled from the wrath of the goddess Hera. In another myth, Apollo kills the giant snake, Python, and there's also the story of how Apollo entered a music contest with the satyr Marsyas, who boasted he was a better musician. Have an initial class discussion about myths (important stories that every culture has about gods, heroes and why the world is the way it is). Follow up by reading myths about Apollo, either as a class or as groups or individuals. Have students produce their own written versions of the myths.

Apollo and Ancient Greek Religion

The temple of Apollo in Athens.

Student can learn about and discuss differences between classical Greek religion and contemporary religions. Students can discover what a Greek temple looked like and then design and create models or pictures.

Apollo was the god of the Delphic Oracle. People visited the Oracle to ask the priestess questions about important things in their lives. The priestess answered in riddles and things could go badly wrong if they interpreted the riddle incorrectly. Have students invent their own riddles, which could be understood in two different ways. These riddles then become part of a story or a piece of drama.

References

• Theoi: Apollo
• Corpus Christi (Texas) School Computer Lab: Greek Myth & Vase Projects

Resources

• Encyclopedia Mythica: Greek Mythology, Apollo
• The British Museum: Build a Temple Challenge
• Distance Learning: Greek Vases An Assignment with a Twist