The purpose of the lesson is to teach the difference between myth and reality and that stewardship of the Earth’s resources is the responsibility of everyone. The learners will also use the information used in the watershed unit to write a letter supporting stewardship of water because it is a nonrenewable resource.

The learner will:

• tell the story of Poseidon.
• write a letter to Poseidon concerning good stewardship of their local watershed.
• tell in their own words the difference between the literary term, myth, and reality.
  

Anticipatory Set:
Using the book, Usborne Illustrated Guide to Greek Myths & Legends, share information from the section about the Greek god Poseidon.

• Tell the learners that Poseidon is a mythical being created by the Greeks to explain their natural surroundings. Because of the storms at sea, it was often thought that Poseidon was an angry god.
• Ask: What do you think might anger Poseidon today? (water pollution)
• The Greeks thought of Poseidon as a fighter. What causes might he fight for today? (clean water)
• Ask learners to be a member of “Poseidon’s Protectors.”  (Explain the meaning of the word Protectors as it relates to this activity: They are the “good guys and gals” in the group and their goal is to protect their watershed.)
  

• Teachers may choose to have learners make posters. Topics for posters may be; Poseidon Wants You to Save the Watershed, Zap Pollutants with Poseidon’s Trident, and What You Can Do to Save the Watershed? They could make their posters humorous or include slogans or rhymes. The posters should be supported with facts learned from their study of the watershed.
• The learners may choose to write a phone script to poll local agencies and governments and businesses to determine what they are doing to protect the local watershed. They could then follow through by creating partnerships with these agencies and businesses.