Inquiries Filed Under:

Olympics

About the inquiry

This inquiry uses the ancient and modern Olympic games as a context for students to explore the compelling question “Are the Olympics about more than sports?” The Olympics play an important role in modern society, bringing together athletes from around the world every four years to display and celebrate human athleticism; however, the Olympics are about more than just sports. Since their inception in ancient Greece, the Olympics have provided people with different beliefs and backgrounds—even among groups in conflict—an opportunity to gather in the spirit of cooperation and sharing. Students investigate the ancient and modern Olympics using a range of historical and secondary sources to learn more about the historical and mythological origins of the games; the rebirth of the games in France under the leadership of Pierre de Coubertin; and the broader goals of the Olympics, including nurturing the arts.

Compelling Question

Are the Olympics about More than Sports?

Staging Question

Discuss the pros and cons of school sports as they relate to uniting people.

Supporting Question

What is the history and mythology of the ancient Greek Olympics?

Formative Tasks

List 10 people, places, or events related to the history and mythology of the ancient Greek Olympics.

Sources

Source A: Image bank: Ancient Olympic games Source B: “The Olympic Games, History,” excerpt from Description of Greece Source C: “Olympic Games, Mythical History,” excerpt from Description of Greece

Supporting Question

What are the goals of the modern Olympic movement?

Formative Tasks

Construct a Venn diagram contrasting the modern Olympic movement with the ancient Olympics.

Sources

Source A: Excerpt from Official Report of the Games of the First Olympiad Source B: “ Video: Living the Olympic Values Source C: “What Is Olympism?” excerpt from Olympism and the Olympic Movement

Supporting Question

How are the arts a part of the modern Olympics?

Formative Tasks

Make a claim about the importance of the arts in the Olympics.

Sources

Source A: Excerpt from “Pindar, Poetry, and the Olympics” Source B: Excerpt from “Inviting the Artists: Paris 1906”

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Do the Olympics unite us? Construct an argument (e.g., a speech, movie, poster, or essay) using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources that explains to what extent the Olympics unite the world.

Extension: Craft a rationale for a proposal to hold a local version of the Olympics in the community.

Taking Informed Action

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