The Myth of the Dragon Tree was an opportunity to integrate mythology, history, geography, creative writing, botany, and even astronomy into one awesomely creative learning experience. These two homeschool students made a variety of higher order cognitive connections by synthesizing scientific data with mythology and artistic expression. “Books” like this allow students to steer their learning course by creating something comprehensive and tangible.

A yearlong exploration of local plant life led to the discovery of dracaena draco or the dragon tree’s origin story. Rooted in Greek Mythology, the dragon tree came into existence as the result of Hercules’ 11th Labor.  The gist of the story is that Hercules defeated the hundred-headed dragon who was protecting a tree that bore priceless golden apples. Wherever the dragon’s blood spilled on the land, dragon trees began to grow. To this day, the trees still “bleed” dragon blood, oozing red sap when felled. This magical element was the irresistible hook that inspired me to rewrite this origin story from our homeschool’s quirky narrative perspective.