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RATIONALE: This lesson is an introductory lesson on the architecture of the Parthenon. This lesson will teach students the types of
optical illusions that occur in architecture. It will help students understand how the architects of the Parthenon reduced these optical
illusions in their design of the Parthenon.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES (S):
The students will analyze the importance of optical illusions in Greek architecture.
The students will identify the Parthenon as an important artifact to the Greek culture.
ASSESSMENT: The students will complete the worksheet given to them during the lesson. The students will also complete a 3-2-1 at
the end of the lesson. They will list three illusions that are used in Greek architecture, two reasons the Greeks used optical illusions,
and one artifact of Ancient Greece.
PENNSYLVANIA STANDARDS:
9.2 Historical and Cultural Context
9.2.3.E: Analyze how historical events and culture impact forms, techniques, and purposes of works in the arts.
8.4 World History
8.4.3.B: Identify the importance of artifacts and sites to different cultures and ethnicities.
Differentiation
INTRODUCTION:
Materials/Technol
ogy Needed
Optical Illusion
PowerPoint
Time
Needed
5 min
PROCEDURE:
CLOSURE:
ACCOMMODATIONS/MODIFICATIONS: I will provide pictures and visual realia to students. I will decrease the amount of
information the students need to use in the assessments.
LESSON EXTENSION: Students will create a Parthenon out of marbled paper. First the students will create the marbled paper by
placing shaving cream on top of an aluminum pan. They will then add paint on top of the shaving cream and use a chop stick to move
the paint around the surface. Once complete, the students will place a piece of white paper on top and lightly push down. They will
place the dipped paper on the drying rack to dry. Once the paper is dry, they will cut out eight identical thin rectangles, one large
triangle, and another large rectangle. They will then glue the pieces together until they create the front of the Parthenon. See attached
for directions and pictures.
PRE-ASSESSMENT: If this lesson were done in a classroom, I would have had the students complete a class KWL chart before the
lesson. I would have the students use sticky notes to fill in the Know and Want to know sections of the KWL on the Parthenon and
Ancient Greece.
CONNECTIONS BEYOND THE LESSON: Students will research other buildings in the ancient world that follow the Golden
Ration and/or contain optical illusions in their architecture. Students will work on a completing a webquest called Geometry and
Architecture, which will connect the lesson to mathematical principles. This webquest discusses the Parthenon, Eiffel Tower, United
States capital building, Sears Tower, and Empire State Building.
CITATION: