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Unit Arc	Instructional Time	Essential Question	Key Milestones
Spark Lessons 1–3	3 lessons 50 minutes each	Why do cultures tell stories, and what do those stories reveal?	Lesson 1: Investigate Definition & Cultural Purpose of Myths Lesson 3: Intro to Rick Riordan as Myth Adapter
Investigation 1 Lessons 4–20	17 lessons 50 minutes each	Why do cultures tell stories about gods, monsters, journeys, and transformations?	Lesson 19: Academic Discussion (Socratic Seminar) Lesson 20: Investigation 1 Assessment
Investigation 2 Lessons 21–38	18 lessons 50 minutes each	How do stories from different cultures explore danger, courage, or the unknown?	Lesson 21: Flex Huddle Lessons 22–23: Flex Research Lesson 36: Academic Discussion (Socratic Seminar) Lesson 37: Investigation 2 Assessment Lesson 38: Flex Huddle

Unit Arc

Instructional Time

Essential Question

Key Milestones

Spark
Lessons 1–3

3 lessons
50 minutes each

Why do cultures tell stories, and what do those stories reveal?

Investigation 1
Lessons 4–20

17 lessons
50 minutes each

Why do cultures tell stories about gods, monsters, journeys, and transformations?

Investigation 2
Lessons 21–38

18 lessons
50 minutes each

How do stories from different cultures explore danger, courage, or the unknown?

Unit Context

Greek and World Mythology: How ancient stories explain the unknown, express cultural values, and continue to shape modern storytelling.

Analyze key elements of Greek mythology—gods, monsters, the Underworld, and prophecy—and connect them to their adaptations in The Lightning Thief.
Compare myths from different cultures to identify similarities and differences in purpose, structure, and cultural values.
Evaluate how Riordan adapts classical mythology for a modern audience, analyzing the craft choices he makes as an author.
Use textual evidence to explain how mythic stories reflect the beliefs and worldview of the cultures that created them.

How did ancient cultures use myths to explain the natural world, human experience, and the unknown?
How do Greek gods, monsters, and the Underworld shape Percy's world and identity in The Lightning Thief?
How do stories from different cultures approach danger, challenge, and the supernatural—and what do they share?
How does Percy's quest draw from and adapt classical mythological traditions?

Investigation 1: Why do cultures create stories about gods, monsters, journeys, and transformations?
Investigation 2: How do stories from different cultures explore danger, courage, or the unknown?

Unit Texts