School Tours: Mythology
Grades 4–8
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Which dramatic moment in a mythological story did an artist choose to depict, and why? This tour unravels Greek and Roman myths, which were captured with heightened drama by artists through the ages. Students explore representations of character, plot, and setting, as well as the underlying message that the artist conveys.
Looking and Learning Skills
During four to six tour stops, students engage in activities—such as looking exercises and working in small groups—that foster conversations about works of art. The following skills are promoted:
- Making and voicing careful observations
- Formulating questions that demonstrate curiosity and engagement
- Exploring multiple viewpoints of the artist, the character(s)/protagonists, the audience (then and now)
- Comparing and contrasting different visual representations of myths
- Reasoning with evidence from the artworks themselves
- Connecting tour ideas to prior knowledge of myths, mythology, and experience
Group Size: Up to 45 students
Length: 60 minutes
Meeting Location: West Building, Rotunda, Main Floor
Museum policies
Student lunches
General information
How can I prepare my students for this tour?
What Gallery resources are available on this theme?
- NGAClassrom: Art & Greco-Roman Origin Myths
- NGAClassrom: Ancient Arcade
- NGALoanfinder: Inquiring Eye: Mythology
What is object-based teaching and learning?