Below are several options for activities that will reinforce students’ knowledge and understanding of ancient myths featuring plants that they explored at the Getty Villa.

I. Write an Original Plant Myth

Remind students about a plant myth they are familiar with, perhaps the myth of Persephone that you read aloud in preparation for your visit to the Getty Villa. Discuss the literary elements of the story, such as plot, setting, and characters, as well as the qualities specific to myths. 

Have students write their own myths about plants.

To qualify as a myth, students’ stories need to:
•	explain a natural phenomenon.
•	include characters that are superhuman, such as gods, goddesses or heroes.
•	include something magical and/or a metamorphosis (when something undergoes a complete physical change).

II. Write an Alternative Ending

Ask students to choose an ancient plant myth and read it carefully. Use one of the three myths provided in the pre-visit activity, or students can find myths on the Theoi Greek Mythology Web site: http://www.theoi.com/Flora1.html. Have students consider how the story could end differently, and write an alternative ending to the myth. How has their ending changed the meaning of the myth?

III. Learn More about Plant Myths

Have students read a myth that features one of the herbs, trees, fruit or flowers that they saw at the Getty Villa (use the myths in the pre-visit activity, or on the Theoi Greek Mythology Web site, http://www.theoi.com/Flora1.html). Ask students to identify how the plant life functions in their chosen myth. What does the role of the plant tell you about the meaning connected to that plant in antiquity? Students can share findings with the class in oral reports. This activity can also be done in groups. When completed, compare the roles of plants in the different myths.