Study the ancient Olympics with students to allow them to make a comparison between the original Olympics and the modern equivalent. Introduce students to sports played during the ancient Olympics through pictures and by allowing them to participate in modern versions of the discus, javelin and races. Only let boys participate at the beginning of the lesson since women were not allowed to participate in the ancient Olympic Games. Accompany a study of the history of the Olympics with information about the culture and values of ancient Greece.
Assign each student in the class to research a different sport included as part of the Olympic Games. Students might be surprised to learn that some sports, such as curling, archery and tennis, have not always been part of the Olympic games, and that sports such as tug-of-war used to be included. Connect the lesson to propaganda and persuasive speaking, and encourage students to develop a fictional campaign to get a new sport added to the Olympic Games.
The Olympics are held in a different location each year. For older students, share about the process for choosing a location for the Olympic Games and some of the campaigns countries have created in an attempt to gain the distinction of hosting the games. Assign students a host city to research. Encourage research on the city in general, including its food, culture and main attractions, and then have students explain how the overall culture of the city or country was incorporated when it hosted the Olympic Games.
Share portraits of Olympic medal winners with students. Focus on stories where the contestant beat the odds to win, won a historical number of medals or beat a world record. Most students are familiar with popular American athletes, but do not realize international success may be gained by participating in other sports. Share pictures of Wheaties boxes and other ad campaigns that feature Olympic medal winners. Talk about the medals themselves and share pictures of Olympic medals from different ceremonies.
From national anthems to pieces composed for the opening and closing ceremonies, music plays an important role in the Olympics. Share national anthems from different countries with students and have them compare them to the "Star-Spangled Banner," and explain whether they fit the countries they represent. Introduce other Olympic compositions, such as John Williams' "Olympic Fanfare and Theme," and discuss the tone and sound of the piece in relation to the spirit of the Olympic Games. Show students an Olympics highlight reel from a local news station and ask them how the music behind the clips adds to the emotion of the clips.
Ask students to research the Olympic history of countries that traditionally participate in the Olympics. Students may learn that not all countries participate in the Olympics, or that some countries have boycotted the Olympics during certain years. Share with students some unique facts, such as countries that only send one or two athletes each year, countries that have never won an Olympic medal and countries that have won the most Olympic medals.