Shawn Lees-Carr

SLM 521

Web Drop-In #3

Google Earth Lit Trip: Voyage of Odysseus (9^th grade literature selection/narrative writing unit)

Introduction: As we read this classic epic involving the journey and struggles of a man trying to get home, we will stop at several places along the way. In order to help track his struggles and journey, we will consult a map using Google Earth and think about how this setting creates problems or conflict for him.

Information: Students will visit each of the stops along Odysseus’ journey home to Ithaca. At each stop, students will reflect on information, art, geographical features, etc. and use this to answer questions like a scavenger hunt.

Using Google Lit Trips: If you and the students are not familiar with moving around on Google Earth, please practice! It can get frustrating if you are not used to the tools. See the Google Earth User Guide for detailed instructions.

Question or activity to be completed:

Notetaking sheet (which follows this page)

Overall question: How does the geographical setting impact Odysseus’ journey home?

How does the setting (and geographical features) create dangers?

Activity:

Notetaking sheet (which follows)

Assessment connected to indicator: how does the setting impact the mood?

Follow-up activity could include students mapping their own epic journey in preparation for writing their narrative, which is required for their portfolio.

NAME: ______________________________

Date: _________ Block: _______

Epic Journey

GOOGLE LitTrips: More fun, less money and no airplanes! <http://www.googlelittrips.org/>

Click on the link above. You will see the main page for Google Lit Trips. Then click on the 6-12 range, and go to the Odysseus download. Make sure Google Earth has already been installed!

From Troy to Ithaca: How does setting impact the journey?

Before getting started, take an overview look at the Mediterranean area. Examine the red paths mapping Odysseus’ journey.

1. Odysseus sails his ships in what bodies of water?

What types of dangers can happen on the water?

2. Along what countries’ coastlines does he travel?

What types of dangers can happen thousands of years ago along a coast line?

Zooming In:

The Places sidebar on the left will be a tremendous help if you are having problems following the red paths.

Location	Question	Answer
Troy	What is Troy today?
Troy beachfront	Describe the Greek ships.
Maronia	Who wins this stupid battle?
North African Lotus Eaters	Zoom in and examine the current setting. How much do you think it has changed?
Sicily-Polyphemus	Who does Odysseus meet here?
Island of Aeolus	How does the statue of Aeolus represent his power? What problems can this figure cause?
Laestrygonians	What land features make this a possibly safe place to park your ships? What land features could make this a dangerous place to park your ships? Where could the Laestrygonians hide?
Aeaea	Click on the photos of Cala Figuera. What is your impression of this location?
The Underworld	In what country is the Underworld?
Circe	Click on the photo titled Le Colonne. What two structures could present a danger to Odysseus?
Scylla	What happens during this stop? What would you do?
Cattle of Helios	It’s either starvation for obeying or death for disobedience. What would you do?
Island of Calypso	What features about this location may make someone want to stay?
Phaeacians	Has Odysseus been to this area before? When?
Ithaca	Would you like to live in Ithaca? How much has Ithaca been impacted by modern living and lifestyles?
Select another coastal spot in the Mediterranean area to explore. Record the name and describe what you see.

Based on the land and water areas you have explored, what conclusions can you draw about the setting of this journey? What specific, unique problems or conflicts can this type of setting cause for someone?

Use the organizer below to help group your thoughts. I have completed one example for you. Remember, the features can be so good that it prevents Odysseus from wanting to go home!

Feature or characteristics	Problem or the effect it has on the goal of getting home
Gorgeous, clear, blue seas	Seem peaceful, welcoming, may not realize the danger, may not want to leave as quickly.