The pentathlon was a combination-sporting event that originated in the Ancient Olympics (roughly 700 BC). Besides multiple sports, it was a major cultural event and celebration for the Greek god Zeus. The word itself can be broken down into pente, meaning five, and athlon, meaning competition. The five sports contested in the pentathlon were: javelin, discus, long jump, sprint or short run, and wrestling. Traditionally the winner of the pentathlon was not as skilled as competitors who specialized in their individual sport. Still, the winner was considered the best overall athlete.

For this lesson, the students will participate in a simulation of those games. This lesson goes perfectly when studying the Ancient Greeks or ties in well with Olympic studies.

Materials: 

·      An ample open space (such as a gym or field)

·      Several pool noodles or broomsticks (javelin)

·      A heavy medicine ball (used as a shot put in replacement of the discus)

·      A gym mat for students to land on from the long jump

·      Several cones or rubber dots

·      Open reel measuring tape (optional)

Minimum Amount of Students Needed: This game could be played with a few as one students and used more as a simulation of the events without any other competitors. This game is very flexible, and many students can play at once, especially in an ample space with more than one teacher for supervision.      

Age: All Ages