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Lightning Thief Quest I
A message from Camp Half-Blood: A sacred coastal haven from Percy Jackson’s journey holds the key to the gods’ will. Solve the mathematical riddles to uncover its coordinates and prove your demigod prowess!
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Ma(p)th:
Lightning Thief Quest II
Embark on a Quest to Uncover a Mythical Destination!
Demigod, the Oracle has spoken: a hidden location tied to the gods awaits. Solve the mathematical riddles, infused with the essence of Greek mythology and the natural world, to reveal its coordinates. Each step brings you closer to Camp Half-Blood’s secrets. Begin the quest!
Puzzle 1A: The Whole Latitude
Decode the first part of the latitude!
Multiply the number of books in the original Percy Jackson series by the number of planets recognized today. What do you get?
Hint: The original series has a specific number of books, and astronomers recognize a fixed number of planets in our solar system.
Percy Jackson Series | NASA Kids: Planets
Tidbit: The number of planets was redefined in 2006 by the IAU!
Puzzle 1B: Latitude Decimals (First Three)
Refine the latitude with cryptic precision!
Multiply the number of pairs of human chromosomes by the Fahrenheit freezing point of water, then add the Labors of Hercules. What’s the result?
Hint: Humans have a set number of chromosome pairs, water freezes at a specific temperature, and Hercules faced a legendary number of tasks.
KidsHealth: Chromosomes | Science Kids: Water Facts | Theoi: Labors of Hercules
Tidbit: Hercules’ labors are a cornerstone of Greek mythology!
Puzzle 1C: Latitude Decimals (Final Three)
Unlock the full latitude!
Multiply the boiling point of water (°F) by the approximate percentage of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere, then subtract the number of books in the Harry Potter series. What number do you get?
Hint: Water boils at a standard temperature, oxygen makes up a key portion of the air, and a certain wizard series has a fixed number of books.
Science Kids: Water Facts | Nat Geo: Air | Scholastic: Harry Potter
Tidbit: Oxygen’s percentage is an approximation, often rounded!
Puzzle 2A: The Whole Longitude
Begin decoding the longitude!
Start with the number of IAU constellations. Subtract the number of Olympian gods and the Fates. What remains?
Hint: The IAU defines a set number of constellations, and Greek mythology specifies the Olympians and the Fates.
Space.com: Constellations | Theoi: Olympian Gods | Theoi: The Fates
Tidbit: The Fates control destiny in Greek mythology!
Puzzle 2B: Longitude Decimals (First Three)
Refine the longitude!
Subtract the number of Labors of Hercules from the number of meters in a kilometer. Record the result.
Hint: A kilometer has a standard number of meters, and Hercules’ labors are a fixed number.
Maths Is Fun: Kilometer | Theoi: Labors of Hercules
Tidbit: A kilometer is a metric standard!
Puzzle 2C: Longitude Decimals (Final Four)
Unlock the full longitude!
Multiply the number of chemical elements by (Percy Jackson books × classical elements), then add the number of vertebrae in the human spine. What’s the total?
Hint: The periodic table lists the elements, classical elements are from ancient philosophy, and the human spine has a specific number of vertebrae.
Chem4Kids: Elements | Theoi: Classical Elements | KidsHealth: Bones
Tidbit: Classical elements include earth, water, air, and fire!
Victory, Demigod! You’ve uncovered the sacred location and forged a legend worthy of Camp Half-Blood!
Discussion Questions:
- How does the setting of this location reflect the themes of heroism and identity in the Percy Jackson series?
- What role do urban environments play in modern interpretations of Greek mythology?
- How might the challenges faced by demigods in this location compare to those in Camp Half-Blood?
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Ma(p)th:
Lightning Thief Quest III
Embark on a demigod quest to uncover the coordinates of a sacred monument, a temple of Athena where Percy faced Echidna and the Chimera!
Join Percy Jackson on a thrilling journey to a towering monument symbolizing the gateway to the West. Solve each puzzle to reveal the latitude and longitude, using wisdom from Greek mythology, science, and the monument’s history. Ready to dive in?
Puzzle 1A: Whole Number Latitude
Decode the latitude, as Hercules tackled his mighty labors.
The U.S. has many states, and Hercules had many trials. Subtract the Labors of Hercules from the number of U.S. states. What do you get?
Hint: Count the states in the U.S. and the tasks Hercules completed for his penance.
The monument, designed by Athena’s son Eero Saarinen, stands as a beacon of westward expansion.
Puzzle 1B: First Decimal Digits
Refine the latitude, as Percy refined his powers at the monument.
The Gateway Arch is 630 feet tall and symbolizes passage to the West. Subtract the number of classical simple machines from its height (in feet). Record the result.
Hint: Count the types of simple machines from classical mechanics and subtract from the given height.
Percy’s leap from the monument was saved by Poseidon’s waterspout, guiding him to the Mississippi River.
Puzzle 1C: Final Decimal Digits
Complete the latitude, as Athena’s wisdom guides your path.
Multiply the total chemical elements on the periodic table by the number of letters in the Greek alphabet, then subtract the atomic number of sodium (Na). What’s the total?
Hint: Count the elements in the periodic table, the letters in the Greek alphabet, and find sodium’s atomic number.
The monument, a temple of Athena, was once a sanctuary for demigods, until Athena’s protection was lifted.
Puzzle 2A: Whole Number Longitude
Solve each puzzle to unlock the next. Face the challenge like Percy at the monument’s summit!
Astronomers recognize a set number of IAU constellations. Add the number of faces of Janus (a Roman god of doorways/arches) to that constellation count. What do you get?
Hint: Count the IAU constellations and the faces of Janus, the god of gateways.
The monument’s curve mirrors the arc of a demigod’s journey, guided by Athena’s wisdom.
Puzzle 2B: First Decimal Digits
Refine the longitude, as the Mississippi River flows.
Air you can breathe: multiply the approximate percent of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere by the number of Muses. Write the product.
Hint: Use the approximate percentage of oxygen in the air and multiply by the number of Muses.
Poseidon’s power flows like the Mississippi, guiding Percy through his trials.
Puzzle 2C: Final Decimal Digits
Unlock the final longitude, revealing the sacred monument!
Multiply the number of chemical elements by the number of Olympian gods in the full council, then subtract the number of standard amino acids. What’s the result?
Hint: Count the periodic table elements, the full Olympian council, and the standard amino acids in biology.
Victory, demigod! You’ve unlocked the coordinates of the Gateway Arch!
The Gateway Arch, a symbol of westward expansion, was where Percy discovered his true power as Poseidon’s son.
Discussion Questions:
- How does the Gateway Arch’s design reflect the architectural ideals of Athena, goddess of wisdom and craft?
- What role does the Mississippi River play in the mythology and history of westward expansion?
- How does Percy’s battle with Echidna and the Chimera at the Gateway Arch highlight his growth as a demigod?