Curriculum Development Institute
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games are the subject of a differentiated lesson plan for a middle school classroom. Activities include researching the events in the ancient games and comparing them to events in the modern Olympics, gathering acts about why...
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Origin of the Modern Summer Games
Where did the Olympic Summer Games originate? The class takes a look at ancient origins of modern Olympic games. They research the Olympics and write a compare and contrast essay that describes how the Olympic Games have changed since...
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Harnessing the Olympic Spirit
Use the energy and excitement of the 2014 Winter Olympics to motivate your class to research and write.
Anti-Defamation League
What is the Soul Cap and Why Was it Rejected for Olympic Use?
In 2021 the FINA, the International Swimming Federation, banned using Soul Caps in the Tokyo Olympics. Middle schoolers investigate why the committee made this decision and the resulting backlash, including charges of discrimination and...
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Origin of the Modern Olympic Games
Students using a Venn diagram, compare and contrast the modern and ancient Olympic games. They write essays and construct timelines about the games. Students, using various items, create tools for a new Olympic game and write the...
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Olympic Mascots - and Mash-Ups
The Learning Network has formulated a fill-in the blank worksheet to go along with the New York Times article "Olympic Mascots Inspire Imitations". While the topic is not entirely about physical education, this article could be used for...
National Endowment for the Humanities
The Victor's Virtue: A Cultural History of Sport
Pupils explore the meaning of the ancient Greek word aretê and the place of virtue in historical athletic competition and modern sports. They begin by reading an informational text on the goal of sports in education, and then evaluate...
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Comparing the Ancient and Modern Olympics: A Venn Diagram
Students compare and contrast today's Olympic Games to those held in ancient Greece. They read newspapers, conduct Internet research, watch TV coverage of current Olympic Games and organize their findings on a Venn diagram.
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Politics and the Olympics
Students discover details regarding Olympics controversies. In this international politics lesson, students research Olympic games of the Modern Era noting the controversies surrounding Beijing Olympics. Students create brochures that...
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Origin of the Modern Summer Games
Students discover the origin of the modern summer Olympic Games. In this history lesson, students compare and contrast the modern and ancient Olympic Games as they create a timeline.
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Learning From the Past
Coming up on the Olympics? Be sure your middle schoolers understand the dynamic and ancient history of this global tradition. They begin by recalling traditions parents have passed down, considering their relevance and ways they might be...
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The Ancient Olympic Games
Sixth graders complete a KWL chart about the Olympic Games. They watch a PowerPoint presentation about ancient Olympics. Each student completes a worksheet during the PowerPoint. Students write a summary of the information presented...
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Olympics (World Celebrations)
Learners recognize the meanings and symbolism of the Olympic Flag and Torch and apply this to their own feelings of the classroom by creating their own symbol/flag to represent these feelings.
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The Ancient Olympic Games
Sixth graders explore the ancient Olympic Games. In this ancient history lesson, 6th graders view a PowerPoint presentation that compares the ancient Olympics to the modern games. Students discuss and review the material before they...
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The Athens Olympics
Learners explore the history of the Olympics. They read a story about London's bid to host the Olympic games. In groups, students produce an arena for the Olympics and create a creed for the competition. Learners discuss and share...
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Vaulting Into Olympic History
Students explore history of the Olympics. They research and then create an 'Olympics Hall of Fame' for the classroom.
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Origin of the Modern Summer Games
Students research the ancient Olympic Games. In this Olympic Games lesson, students discuss Pierre de Coubertin, Greek culture, and ancient Olympia. Students complete two readings. Students write an essay about the spirit of Olympism,...
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Living in an "Olympic" Country
Students research countries participating in the Olympic Games. They create a database which includes graphs for comparing population density, the number of athletes, per capita income, etc. for each country. This project is completed...
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Olympic Mascot Lesson
Learners investigate the 1968 Olympics by identifying their mascots. In this Olympic history lesson, students participate in a group activity where they match countries with their representative mascots. Learners analyze the meaning of...
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Nationalism and the Olympics
Students discuss the topic of nationalism in the Olympics. After viewing video segments, they discuss how politics and nationalism have influenced the Olympic Games in various ways. They also examine the main reasons why a country...
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The Olympic Rings
Students are introduced to the Olympic rings and their historic significance as an international symbol. Working in small groups, they research the history behind the Olympic symbol using traditional research methods. Using the intended...
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The Olympic Games
Learners research the history of the Olympics and the various countries that have hosted the games. They obtain information about some of the sports featured in the Olympics. Students then create a brochure using Microsoft Publisher.
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Now's the Time to Learn About the Ancient Greek Olympics
You can take advantage of the history of the Olympic Games to teach about the contributions of the Ancient Greeks.
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Go For The Gold!
Third graders read fiction and nonfiction works for comprehension. Using the internet, 3rd graders participate in a WebQuest. They compare and contrast the Olympics in ancient Greece to the modern day Olympics. Afterwards, students...