Greek mythical creatures: built to fit their world
Learners explore four Greek mythical creatures and look at how their features would suit different habitats. Then, working in teams, they will create their own creature using real animal traits in a fun, creative challenge.
Workshop details
This imaginative session invites learners to step into the world of Ancient Greek mythology and explore how mythical creatures would connect to their habitats. They’ll discover four legendary beasts Hydra, Pegasus, Griffin and Chimera and learn how each creature’s unique features would suit an environment.
To wrap up teams will create their own mythical creatures using parts from real animals, explaining how each trait helps it survive in its chosen world. A perfect blend of myth, nature, and creativity!
Practical information for your visit
Download: Practical information for visiting World Museum (pdf)
To help your pupils gain the most from their session it is essential that you have a ratio of at least one adult helper to eight pupils.
Please arrive on time for your workshop or we may not be able to run it for you. Please share these notes with your adult helpers before your visit. This will help them to support your pupils have a successful and enjoyable day.
Curriculum links
History
Ancient Greece – exploring mythology, beliefs, and how they reflect the natural world.
Understanding the role of myths in explaining nature and life in the ancient world.
English
Opportunities for pupils to speak clearly, share ideas confidently, and use Standard English.
Science (Biology/Adaptation)
Exploring how physical features and behaviours help animals (and mythical creatures) survive in their environments.
Drawing connections between real world habitats and imagined ones.
SMSC - Fundamental British Values
Mutual Respect and Tolerance: As pupils learn about ancient Greek mythology and beliefs, they develop an appreciation for how different cultures explain the world around them. This encourages respect for diverse ideas, values, and traditions, both past and present.
Social Skills: Pupils will work together to imagine, design, and present a new mythical creature. This fosters collaboration, active listening, and respectful communication skills for working successfully in a group.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
Pupils will:
Develop a chronologically secure understanding of Ancient Greece and its mythology.
Understand the role of mythical creatures in Greek stories and how they reflect the environment, beliefs, and values of the time.
Explore significant aspects of ancient Greek civilisation, including religion, storytelling, and symbolic thinking.
Understand how myths can be used as a form of historical enquiry into the thoughts and culture of ancient societies.
Learn how the past is interpreted through stories, art, and historical sources.
Skills
Pupils will:
Identify the features of mythical creatures and link them to specific habitats and environmental adaptations.
Create and explain their own mythical creatures using knowledge of real animal traits and ancient symbolism.
Construct thoughtful responses using relevant historical and scientific information.
Ask and explore meaningful questions about symbolism, survival, and the significance of creatures in myths.
Use historical and scientific vocabulary to describe mythological concepts and environments.
Enhance speaking, listening, and teamwork skills through group discussions and presentations.
Concepts
Pupils will:
Explore how mythology helps us understand ancient beliefs, fears, and relationships with nature.
Recognise the use of storytelling as a way ancient people made sense of the world.
Understand the connection between natural animal traits and the imagined abilities of mythical beasts.
Consider how mythological stories reflect cultural values and are interpreted in different ways.
Attitudes
Pupils will:
Show respect for the cultural and imaginative value of Greek mythology and the creatures within them.
Value creative thinking as a tool for understanding history and belief systems.
See the museum as a place to explore ancient ideas, creativity, and connections between the past and present.