Teacher: Isaac Stanford
Grade & Subject: 7th Grade Social Studies
School: Cedarbrook Middle School
The project used animal hybrids from cultures all over the world as a lens for students to study culture and mythology. Students had hundreds of chimeras or animal hybrids to choose from as these creatures appear in all parts of the world across human history, from the terrifying chimera of Greek mythology to the alibrejas featured in the Pixar film, Coco. All over the world and throughout history, cultures have created these animal hybrids and bestowed them with amazing powers. In part one, students were introduced to the Greek myth of Chimera and Pegasus. We read an adaptation of the ancient Greek myth and studied its origin and symbolism. We studied the different forms the Greek chimera had taken in artwork and storytelling through history. We watched excerpts from different movies and current television that have used chimera in their storytelling from dragons to gargoyles and mermaids. Chimera appear in hundreds of TV shows, movies, and video games, and we had fun looking for examples. In part two, the research began and students selected four animal hybrids they were interested in and began researching. We examined folklore, myth, symbolism, and cultural traditions all through the lens of these chimera. The project culminated as students reflected on their own culture, personality traits, strengths and weaknesses, and the animals that could be used to symbolize them.
Teacher Reflection
During this project, I learned that 7th graders love mythological creatures and the animal hybrids were an easy and accessible point of entry for almost all students. The 3D print option was difficult to get everyone across the finish line but was a good incentive to keep kids working. It would be helpful to have more than one 3D printer running due to the amount of time it takes to print. We learned about the folklore and myth of cultures all over the world. Hopefully this project will continue to engage students as we work to improve it for next year.
—Isaac Stanford
Student Reflections
I liked that I could make my own Chimera and origin myth. I liked that I could design something based on who I am.
—Ariana H.
To watch a video about the project, please click here
Teacher: Isaac Stanford
Grade & Subject: 7th Grade Social Studies
School: Cedarbrook Middle School
The project used animal hybrids from cultures all over the world as a lens for students to study culture and mythology. Students had hundreds of chimeras or animal hybrids to choose from as these creatures appear in all parts of the world across human history, from the terrifying chimera of Greek mythology to the alibrejas featured in the Pixar film, Coco. All over the world and throughout history, cultures have created these animal hybrids and bestowed them with amazing powers. In part one, students were introduced to the Greek myth of Chimera and Pegasus. We read an adaptation of the ancient Greek myth and studied its origin and symbolism. We studied the different forms the Greek chimera had taken in artwork and storytelling through history. We watched excerpts from different movies and current television that have used chimera in their storytelling from dragons to gargoyles and mermaids. Chimera appear in hundreds of TV shows, movies, and video games, and we had fun looking for examples. In part two, the research began and students selected four animal hybrids they were interested in and began researching. We examined folklore, myth, symbolism, and cultural traditions all through the lens of these chimera. The project culminated as students reflected on their own culture, personality traits, strengths and weaknesses, and the animals that could be used to symbolize them.
Teacher Reflection
During this project, I learned that 7th graders love mythological creatures and the animal hybrids were an easy and accessible point of entry for almost all students. The 3D print option was difficult to get everyone across the finish line but was a good incentive to keep kids working. It would be helpful to have more than one 3D printer running due to the amount of time it takes to print. We learned about the folklore and myth of cultures all over the world. Hopefully this project will continue to engage students as we work to improve it for next year.
—Isaac Stanford
Student Reflections
I liked that I could make my own Chimera and origin myth. I liked that I could design something based on who I am.
—Ariana H.
To watch a video about the project, please click here
