This document introduces a WebQuest for students to investigate whether Aesop, the author credited with many famous fables, was a real person or a myth. Students will research facts about Aesop online and present their conclusion on a poster board to the class, evaluating whether they determine Aesop existed or was fictional. The goal is for students to learn more about the origins and historicity of the man behind many beloved fables.

1. Aesop:
Fact or Myth?
WebQuest by Emily Harmon

2. Welcome
Welcome: Aesop: Fact or Myth?
Description: Welcome to Ms. Harmon's Aesop WebQuest! I
am a college student, studying elementary education, at
Marshall University, and I am very excited about education.
This WebQuest is designed for a 3rd grade classroom.
Grade Level: 3-5
Curriculum: English / Language Arts
Author: Emily Harmon

3. Introduction
Fables are a very popular genre.
There are hundreds of different fables, but one author is given much credit.
~Aesop.~
There is not much known about Aesop, which leads to questions about his existence.
Was Aesop a real man, that lived hundreds of years ago?
Or was the mastermind behind some of our most loved fables
just a fictional character, himself.

4. Task
Today, you are an investigator.
Your job is to investigate facts about Aesop, and
determine whether or not he actually existed.
After doing thorough research, you will make your
case to a professional panel (our class).
You will present your final decision on a poster board,
with supporting facts, found on this WebQuest.

5. Process
Real or Myth?:
1. http://www.umass.edu/aesop/history.php
2. http://greece.mrdonn.org/aesop.html
3. http://www.worldoftales.com/fables/About_Aesop.html
4. http://www.biography.com/people/aesop-9176935
5. http://www.justmegawatt.com/readables/everythingelse/fables/aesop.html
6. http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/greekmenandwomen/a/Aesop-The-
Life-Of-Aesop.htm

6. Evaluation
4 Points 3 Points 2 Points 1 Point
Decision
Clear
decision
made.
Mostly clear
decision made.
Decision not
made clearly
enough.
Lists both
options
without really
picking one.
Supporting
Facts
Provides many
supporting
facts, that
clearly back
up decision.
Provides
enough facts to
support
decision.
Provides
some
relevant facts,
but many
irrelevant
ones.
Provides
small amount
of supporting
facts.
Presentation on
Poster
Well designed
poster, that
helps prove
point being
made. Great
organization
and detail.
Poster has all
required
aspects. Could
use a little more
work with detail.
Poster does
not have very
much detail or
interest.
Needs
decoration
Poster does
not look as if
any thought
was put into it
before starting.
Messy and
unorganized.

7. Conclusion
After investigating the “life” of Aesop, I hope that
you have a stronger understanding of the man that
is credited with creating fables.
He has influenced many stories, videos, and art in
our society today, even if we don’t know for sure if
he even existed.

8. Teacher Page
• This WebQuest covers the West Virginia Dept. of Education
teaching standard-RLA.O.3.1.12.