Activity Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram, or a heroes journey diagram, of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop greater understanding of literary structures.
Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a work with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Your plot diagram may look very different, depending on student level. The details of the story vary text by text, and you may wish to include Jason's betrayal of Medea after they reach Corinth.
Jason and the Argonauts Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Pelias succeeded Kretheus in Iolkos, preventing Aison, Jason's father, from becoming king. Jason's mother saves him and sends him to grow up with Chiron, the centaur and trainer of heroes.
Conflict
Years later, Hera encourages Jason to journey to Iolkos. He helps an old woman and loses a sandal while crossing the river. Pelias had received a warning from an oracle about a stranger with only one sandal, and sent Jason on a perilous quest.
Rising Action
Jason sets sail with many mighty heroes in the Argo, a ship which shared the prophetic powers of a sacred oak of Zeus. Among the encounters of the Argonauts include the island of Lemnos, Phineus and the harpies, and the Clashing Rocks.
Climax
Aietes agrees to let Jason take the Golden Fleece if he can accomplish three tasks. With the help of Medea, Jason succeeds and claims his prize. The Argo heads home, but is chased by the king. To escape, Medea butchered her brother & scattered him in the ocean.
Falling Action
As punishment, Zeus sends storms to blow the Argo off course. The Argo itself speaks and suggests seeking Circe out for purification.
Resolution
The Argonauts successfully make it home, despite several obstacles.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of Jason's myth.
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 21 Points | Beginning 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
Activity Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram, or a heroes journey diagram, of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop greater understanding of literary structures.
Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a work with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Your plot diagram may look very different, depending on student level. The details of the story vary text by text, and you may wish to include Jason's betrayal of Medea after they reach Corinth.
Jason and the Argonauts Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Pelias succeeded Kretheus in Iolkos, preventing Aison, Jason's father, from becoming king. Jason's mother saves him and sends him to grow up with Chiron, the centaur and trainer of heroes.
Conflict
Years later, Hera encourages Jason to journey to Iolkos. He helps an old woman and loses a sandal while crossing the river. Pelias had received a warning from an oracle about a stranger with only one sandal, and sent Jason on a perilous quest.
Rising Action
Jason sets sail with many mighty heroes in the Argo, a ship which shared the prophetic powers of a sacred oak of Zeus. Among the encounters of the Argonauts include the island of Lemnos, Phineus and the harpies, and the Clashing Rocks.
Climax
Aietes agrees to let Jason take the Golden Fleece if he can accomplish three tasks. With the help of Medea, Jason succeeds and claims his prize. The Argo heads home, but is chased by the king. To escape, Medea butchered her brother & scattered him in the ocean.
Falling Action
As punishment, Zeus sends storms to blow the Argo off course. The Argo itself speaks and suggests seeking Circe out for purification.
Resolution
The Argonauts successfully make it home, despite several obstacles.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of Jason's myth.
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 21 Points | Beginning 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
How Tos about The Golden Fleece Plot Diagram
Organize a classroom retelling of the Golden Fleece myth
Encourage students to work together in groups and retell the Golden Fleece using their own words and creativity. This builds teamwork and helps reinforce key plot points for all learners.
Assign roles for each group member
Divide students so each person has a character or narrator role. Assigning parts ensures participation and makes the retelling more engaging for everyone.
Guide students to script and storyboard their scenes
Have groups write short scripts for their section and sketch simple storyboards. This helps students visualize the sequence of events and connect text to images.
Support rehearsal and practice
Allow time for each group to rehearse together, practicing both lines and movements. Encourage expressive reading and teamwork to boost student confidence.
Host a classroom performance and reflection
Let each group perform their retelling in order. Afterward, discuss how the story structure helped everyone understand the myth and what students learned from the activity.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Golden Fleece Plot Diagram
What is a plot diagram for Jason and the Golden Fleece?
A plot diagram for Jason and the Golden Fleece is a visual tool that outlines the key events of the myth, including the exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It helps students understand the narrative structure and major turning points in the story.
How can I teach the Golden Fleece plot diagram to middle school students?
To teach the Golden Fleece plot diagram to middle school students, have them create a six-cell storyboard, illustrating and describing each part of the narrative: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Encourage creativity and discussion for deeper understanding.
What are the main events in the Jason and the Argonauts story arc?
The main events in Jason and the Argonauts include Jason's birth and upbringing, his quest for the Golden Fleece, encounters with challenges like the Clashing Rocks, Medea's assistance, obtaining the Fleece, and the return journey home.
Why is using a plot diagram helpful for understanding myths like the Golden Fleece?
Using a plot diagram breaks down complex stories into manageable parts, making it easier for students to identify key moments, understand cause and effect, and remember the sequence of events in myths such as the Golden Fleece.
What tips can make a storyboard plot diagram lesson more engaging for students?
To make a storyboard plot diagram lesson engaging, let students choose scenes to illustrate, use digital tools like Storyboard That, allow group collaboration, and discuss how different stories can have unique plot structures.
More Storyboard That Activities
Greek Mythology: Jason and the Argonauts
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
