Discovery Atlantis.

Topic: Discovery Atlantis.

Duration of the lesson: 2 classes.

Level: High School

 Objectives.
Students will understand the following:

1. Atlantis is the name of a continent that some

believe may have once existed and then disappeared
from Earth.

2. There is no mainstream scientific evidence that

such a continent existed; however, certain
unexplained phenomena could be explained by the
existence of such a continent.
 Materials.
For this lesson, you will need:

•Research materials on Atlantis

•Computer with Internet access
 Procedures.
1. Ask your students if they have ever heard of
the lost continent of Atlantis. Invite students
who are familiar with the concept of Atlantis
to tell the class what they have heard or read
about the lost continent.
 2. Share with students the following background information
about Atlantis:
 There has been speculation that a continent that no longer
exists on Earth once supported an advanced civilization.
 Further speculation suggests that some catastrophic natural
event destroyed Atlantis or caused it to sink into the ocean.
 Scientists and historians have speculated that Atlantis was
located in North Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, the Indian
Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Aegean Sea, and other locations,
but no compelling scientific evidence for the existence of
Atlantis has been found.
 Certain phenomena that are unexplainable could be explained
by the existence of a lost continent.
3. Tell your students that they are going to do
research and engage in debates that will help
them decide what they think about the
existence of Atlantis. Send them to the print
materials you have provided, to the library,
and to the Internet (see Links).
4. When students have completed their
research, divide the class into groups. Have
each group create a two-column chart with
arguments for the existence of Atlantis in one
column and arguments against in the other.
(The arguments against may be refutations of
the arguments for rather than separate
arguments).
5. Have the members of each group debate
among themselves whether or not Atlantis ever
really existed.
 Discussion questions.
1. To what extent is Plato's story of Atlantis
fact or opinion? Explain your answer.

2. Some say Atlantis was Plato's idea of a

perfect society or utopia. What is your idea of
a perfect society? How does it differ from the
description of Atlantis? What elements of
Atlantis would you keep?
3. Which theory, if any, behind the legendary
city of Atlantis do you believe? Explain your
answer.

4. To what extent do you think it was possible

for Egyptians or Greeks to travel to the
Americas prior to Plato's writing?
 Evaluation.

 Three points: charts reflect thorough research and

logical thinking

 Two points: charts reflect some research and some

thought

 One point: charts reflect very little research and lack

of serious
 Related links.

http://www.activemind.com/Mysterious/Topic
s/Atlantis/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantis
 Text guide.

 The story of Atlantis is frequently discussed. Most typically agree that Atlantis was a fictional
place, but there are some that believe that Atlantis was real. The story of Atlantis first appears
in the writings of Plato. Plato’s writings in the Timaeus and Critias refer to a lost civilization
called Atlantis.
 According to Plato, Atlantis was a major naval power that conquered parts of Africa and parts
of Western Europe around 9600 B.C.E. Plato writes that Atlantis sank into the ocean after a
failed attempt to invade Athens.
 Historians argue over how much of Plato’s account was actually inspired by other historical
events. Some say that Plato’s writings were actually based on the events of the Trojan War.
Others believe that Plato was basing his writings of Atlantis on the destruction of Helike.
Helike was an ancient Greek city that sank in the winter of 373 B.C.E. There are some that
insist that Plato’s account was inspired by the Athenian invasion of Sicily near 415 B.C.E.
 Plato’s story of Atlantis alleges that it was an island nation in the middle of the Atlantic
Ocean. Populated by noble and powerful people, Atlantis was a land filled with wealth and
natural resources. It was also a center of trade and commerce. The rulers of Atlantis had great
influence over their people, and their influence extended into Europe and Africa.
 Text guide.
 Plato further states that Atlantis was the domain of Poseidon. Poseidon was known as the god of the sea.
Legend has it that Poseidon fell in love with a woman named Cleito. It is said that he created an area at the
top of a hill near the center of the island where Cleito would be protected. It is said that Cleito’s dwelling
was surrounded by rings of water and land in order to protect her.
 According to this story, Cleito gave birth to five sets of twins. All of the children were boys, and they
became the first rulers of Atlantis. The oldest child was Atlas, and he became the King of Atlantis.
 A temple to Poseidon was built at the top of a hill near the center of Atlantis. This temple held a large statue
of Poseidon. It is said that the statue was made of gold and showed Poseidon riding a chariot that was
pulled by winged horses. The rulers of Atlantis would come to this temple to discuss laws, pass judgment,
and pay tribute to Poseidon.
 Plato’s writings contain the only specific known references to Atlantis, and his account includes much
detail. His writings say that a water canal was cut through the land of Atlantis to help facilitate trade and
travel. In addition, Plato’s writings describe the area that Atlantis covered, including the fertile plain.
 According to Plato’s account, the climate of Atlantis allowed for two harvests every year. There was a
winter harvest that was made possible by rain, and a summer harvest was possible because of the irrigation
from the canal. In addition to their bountiful harvests, the island produced many types of herbs, nuts, and
fruit. The island was also home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants.
 Residents of Atlantis, called Atlanteans, lived simple and virtuous lives for many generations. As time went
on though, they became corrupted by greed and power. It is said that Zeus, the god of the Olympians, saw
the immorality of the people of Atlantis and gathered the other gods together to decide on a punishment for
the Atlanteans. The island of Atlantis and its people were swallowed by the sea as punishment for their
misdeeds and immorality.
 Original lesson plan.

http://school.discoverye
ducation.com

http://www.lessonsnips.co
m/lesson/atlantis