| CDN Pub Library: | $14.98 US (M6621CP) | | CDN School: | $19.98 US (M6621CS) | | CDN Board/District: | $39.98 US (M6621CB) |
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| Grades: | 4 to 8 | | | | | Runtime: | 23 minutes | | | | | Item #: | M6621 | | | | | Availability: | In Stock! | | | | | Format: | VHS | | | | | Also Available In: | | | | | | Closed-Captioning: | Yes |
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PRODUCT SUMMARY
One can look at the night sky as a picture book containing the images of some of the best known monsters, heroes and characters of ancient mythology. Constellation Myths recounts a few of the tales that the ancient Greeks and Romans composed around star formations as they searched for clues about life here on Earth. While we no longer believe that the stars necessarily influence our lives, the stories of the constellations and other planetary objects stay with us today! This program presents the exciting tale of the great hunter, Orion, and explains his placement in the heavens along with his faithful hunting dogs and the animals he hunted -- and who hunted him! In addition, students learn of the origins of the bear constellations, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, and of the vanity that put a queen named Cassiopeia high into the heavens. Part of the multivolume Greek Mythology for Students Video Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
"The tales are well-written and briskly paced, and the computer animation is simple, but eye-catching…The programs are beautifully done, bringing the subject matter to life in a clear and informative way. A valuable addition to studies of Ancient Greece as well as classroom myth and legend units."- School Library Journal (Sept 2005)
"…will hold students’ interest…The narrator has a great voice…a good fit for upper elementary to junior high and great support material for Greek mythology units…Recommended."- Library Media Connection (Aug/Sept 2004)
FULL REVIEWS
Gr 4-8-This brightly colored, digitally animated series teaches young viewers the basics of Greek mythology and hero tales. Each program is introduced by a live male host who provides background information on the topic. Then simple animation and classic storytelling combine to present the ancient tales.
Gods of Olympus provides clear and interesting background stories of the gods from Gaia and Uranus to the Titans, and then covers more familiar Olympian gods and their choice of Mt. Olympus as their home.
Constellation Myths includes the stories of Orion, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, Callisto, Andromeda, and related star groups. In
, students learn about the penalties paid by Arachne, Prometheus, Pandora, and Icarus when they put their own wisdom ahead of that of the Olympians. Both Jason and the Golden Fleece and The Journeys of Odysseus provide abbreviated introductions to these classic tales. Nature Myths includes the stories of Persephone, Echo and Narcissus, and Phaeton. The tales are well-written and briskly paced, and the computer animation is simple, but eye-catching. Themes and morals of the stories are briefly examined as well. The DVD version's special features include chapter select, discussion questions and activities (with the ability to review video segments or images to answer the questions), and a sound track choice of either Spanish or English. The programs are beautifully done, bringing the subject matter to life in a clear and informative way. A valuable addition to studies of Ancient Greece as well as classroom myth and legend units.
Copyright 2005 School Library Journal. Used with permission.
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