Page 1
CONNECTIONS!
A Global Education
Initiative 2004
Sponsored by
The Olympic Games are the world's largest exhibition of athletic skill and
competitive spirit. They are also displays of nationalism, commerce and politics. These two opposing elements of the Olympics are not a modern invention, but date back to ancient times. In this project you will examine the conflict between the Olympic movement's ideals and the economic and political
events that impact the Games. This week, you are going to gather basic information about the history, purpose and values of the Olympic Games. Using
USA TODAY, www.athens2004.com, www.olympic.org, www.usatodayeducation.com and other sources, answer the following questions:
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How are the ancient and modern games similar? How are they different?
Similarities
Differences
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Why are the Olympics important, i.e., what purpose do they serve?
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Page 2
CONNECTIONS!
A Global Education
Initiative 2004
Sponsored by
What is the significance of each of the Olympic symbols — the rings, flag, motto,
flame and truce?
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uFLAG
uRINGS
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uFLAME
uMOTTO
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uTRUCE
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On what ideals or values are the Olympics based?
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Page 3
CONNECTIONS!
A Global Education
Initiative 2004
Sponsored by
You have studied the history and values of the Olympics. Now it’s time to examine some of the external events (e.g., the rise of Nazism, the Arab-Israeli conflict,
etc.) that have undermined the true purpose of the Games. Identify four times
in history when individuals or nations have jeopardized the Olympic ideals.
Explain the impact each incident had on the Games.
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Event
Impact on the Games
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Page 4
CONNECTIONS!
A Global Education
Initiative 2004
Sponsored by
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Event
Impact on the Games
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What current issues could affect the 2004 Games?
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Page 5
CONNECTIONS!
A Global Education
Initiative 2004
Sponsored by
Last week, you examined incidents that compromised the goals of the
Games. This week, it’s time to celebrate some of the people and events that
exemplify the Olympic ideals.
The Athens 2004 Web site states, “People of various backgrounds, different
cultural roots, and different ideas come to the Olympic Games to participate
in a gathering that showcases what makes us alike, not what makes us different.” What admirable traits do humans have in common? Through
research, identify four Olympic triumphs that exemplify these qualities.
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Description of Event
Ideals It Represents
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Page 6
CONNECTIONS!
A Global Education
Initiative 2004
Sponsored by
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Description of Event
Ideals It Represents
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You have now examined the Olympic ideals and the real-world problems that often challenge them. For the next week, scour USA TODAY, magazines and other sources for headlines, graphics and photos that can be used to illustrate this dichotomy. As you gather
images, consider the following question: Why do humans attempt to go faster, rise higher
and become stronger, even in the face of defeat?
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Page 7
CONNECTIONS!
A Global Education
Initiative 2004
Sponsored by
This week you will create a poster essay that shows how human triumphs
and defeats unfold on the Olympic stage. (A poster essay uses images and
pictures rather than words to tell a story. It can, however, include headlines
and photo captions to clarify actions or enhance the viewer’s understanding.
A poster essay is not simply a collage. The design and symbolism of your
essay are just as important as its contents.)
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The questions below will help you think about how to present the information you have collected.
uWhat will the theme or message of your poster essay be? Summarize it in writing.
uHow can you transform that message into a compelling title?
uWhat images, shapes, colors, textures, etc. best represent your theme?
uWill you mount your essay on a single piece of poster or foam board, or on several smaller
pages? What shape will the backing take? What color will it be? Why?
uWhich of the photos you have collected illustrate your theme? How will you crop each one?
uAre you going to paste headlines from the paper, or rewrite them in another style, font, size,
color, etc.?
uDo you need to augment the photos and headlines with other artwork? If so, what will it be?
uIs your essay pleasing to the eye? Will viewers be intrigued by what they see? Will they comprehend the theme of your work? Will they learn from it? If not, what do you need to
change?
After completing your essay, share it with peers. Point out the subtleties and symbolism of
your work. Finally, briefly summarize any insights you gained about the Olympics, conflict
and the human spirit.
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