Concept:
—In all myths dolphins represent the merciful side of the deep and dangerous ocean.
Marine Concept:
—It has been documented that dolphins have aided mankind in the ocean in times of peril.
—All cetacea are attracted to man’s music. The structure of our music is similar to that of their own communication system.
Objective:
—For students to become familiar with a Greek myth which is an important basis of some of today’s beliefs.
—To increase the student’s knowledge of the natural environment.
—For students to see that in this myth, a dolphin rescues a good person from evil. Thus dolphins symbolize compassion, salvation and justice.
—For students to express themselves by creating a myth, and then by illustrating it.
Teacher Preparation:
—Teachers locate the story of Arion by Herodotus. (25)
—Teachers become familiar with the Greek gods mentioned in the myth.
—Teachers borrow accompanying slide show.
—Teachers become familiar with teaching a lesson on linoleum block printing and the material needed as listed under materials in this lesson plan.
Materials:
—Story of Arion as told by Herodotus.
—Accompanying slide show.
—Materials and procedure for linoleum block printing as described in
Linoleum Block Printing
by Francis J. Kafka or another appropriate source. (26)
Procedure:
—Have students read aloud the story of Arion by Herodotus.
—Show slides.
—Lead discussion emphasizing concepts and objectives of this lesson plan.
—Have students create a myth.
—Have students create a linoleum block print or other accompanying illustration.
—Time required is about two to three weeks.
Extended Activities.
—Have students read a dolphin story as recounted by Frank T. Bullen, author of
The Cruise of the Cachelot,
concerning the rescue of beautiful maidens by dolphins as told to him by an old
—Have students read accounts of cetacea’s affection for man’s music as told by Lilly in
Lilly on
Dolphins. (28)
—Have students read the story of Jonah. The whale in this story can be seen as representing salvation since God does not drown Jonah but has the whale carry him to shore.(29)
—Have students read various versions of
The Boy and the Dolphin
by Pliny the Elder, (30), and Aelian. (31)
