Mr. Gordon's sixth grade class is using hyperstudio in their study of mythology. They are studying the Greek Gods and Goddesses.

Helios was the god who rode the sun chariot across the sky. He wore a shining crown made of sunbeams. Helios' parents were Hyperion and Thea, two Titans, which made him Zeus' cousin. Helios' wife, Clymene, lived with their son Phaethon on earth. One day Phaethon asked his father if he could ride the golden chariot pulled by 4 fiery horses. Helios said no, but Phaethon reminded Helios that he promised Phaethon he could have whatever he wished. So he told Phaethon to stay on the daily path. However, the horses went out of control. Gaia, or Mother Earth, burned, as did the heavens. Zeus, out of rage and sorrow, threw a lightning bolt at his nephew and the chariot. Phaethon fell to the earth and died. Helios mourned him for a full day, a day of darkness.

It was said Metis was to have a child named Athena who was said to be stronger than Zeus. Zeus did not like the arrangement so he ate Metis. A little while later, Athena emerged out of his head fully grown. She became Zeus' favorite daughter. Athena became the Goddess of Wisdom, Warfare, and Art. Her favorite bird was the owl. Her favorite plant was the olive tree. She came from the East. Athena is a warrior who hated war. She fought only when the good forces needed her. Athena carried a magic shield that turned her enemies to stone. She fought with Ares at least twice, and won each time.

 

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Classes 5-402 and 5-405 worked collaboratively to present the musical Grease to the school. The children were asked throughout practice to use the digital camera to take pictures of the cast. The children were then taught how to manipulate the pictures on the screen using various types of computer software. Once the children had a grasp of the software, they worked with their teachers to create a collage of pictures to use as the cover for their playbill.