From Saturday, March 21, to Friday, March 27, five Grade 9 students traveled to Greece as part of an interdisciplinary journey of mathematics and Greek culture and history. This Curricular Travel Path, led by mathematics teachers Christian Jones along with Kaylee Weatherspoon, brought classroom learning to life by connecting students with the ancient places where many mathematical ideas, historical traditions, and civic life first took shape more than 5,000 years ago.

Throughout the week, students explored Athens through the Athenian Agora and the Acropolis, visited the Acropolis Museum and its excavation site, and continued on to the ancient Theater of Dionysus before heading to Olympia. Deven Mukherjee ’29 and Micaiah Harte ’29 recount the immersive experiences that illuminated their academic interests, creating lasting memories and sparking a deeper enthusiasm for their studies and the possibilities they hold.

Awe in Athens

by Deven Mukherjee ’29 

After a long and arduous journey from New York, we finally arrived in Athens, Greece. Tired but excited, we met our amazing tour guide Thomai Stoulia or as we called her, “Tom Tom,” whose bubbly personality made us even more eager to start our memorable journey. We were led out of the Greek airport into a tour bus headed for Athens, taking in our views of the city along the way. Shortly after arriving at our hotel, we explored Monastiraki Square and found it similar but much cleaner than our very own Times Square. It was full of life, with busy streets, shops and people everywhere, creating a very lively and exciting atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of our trip.

While at Monastiraki Square, Tom Tom led us to a very popular Greek desert spot named ‘LUKUMAΔΕΣ’ or Lukumades in English. The shop was equally lively and filled with many people, some of them Americans. As soon as we walked in, we could smell the sweet aroma of freshly baked dough and sweet syrup. We tried the warm golden donut bites topped with Nutella or honey. They were delectable. It was perfect and a memorable way to experience one of Greece’s popular desserts. Afterwards, we had authentic Greek gyros. They tasted just as good as the Greek donuts and even came in different sizes depending on how much food you actually wanted. All of this was preparation to get us ready for the highlight of our day: exploring the Athenian Agora and Dionysus’s Theater. 

Before we made our way to the Athenian Agora, we met our tour guide, Harris, a very knowledgeable and energetic woman who got us excited to learn more about ancient Greek history. She told us all about the Greek marketplace, explaining how it was the center of daily life for many Athenians back then, and a central place where they would sell figs, olives, and olive oil. With her leading the way, we first visited the Theater of Dionysus, where she shared stories about the plays, actors, and tragedies that once filled the space. The theater was huge, seating 17,000 people! 

After taking in the local views and history, we continued up the hill to the Athenian Agora, where we were met with the breathtaking view of Greece and the Acropolis of Athens on the hilltop. Exploring the Athenian Agora, known as the birthplace of democracy, and let us imagine the daily lives of merchants, philosophers, and citizens of Athens. After ending the day with a group dinner, we returned to the hotel, tired but thrilled. Our first day in Greece was filled with history, culture, and sights.”

Parthenon

Poly students and faculty at the start/finish line of the track where the first Olympic races were held.

Olympia, site of first Olympics

Balcony of National Archeological Museum in Athens with view of the Parthenon

Statue of Hera’s head at the National Archaeological Museum and orange trees on a street in Athens

Experiencing Ancient History Firsthand

by Micaiah Harte ’29 

Traveling to Greece was one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had. Instead of staying in just one place or city, we traveled from location to location. Starting with exploring different parts of Athens, we then made our way to Olympia, and then, finally, returned to Athens. The trip allowed me to experience the country’s different landscapes, culture, and history in a way that felt complete and connected.  

One day, we took a four-hour journey from Athens to Olympia. When we arrived, we visited the Archaeological Site of Olympia, and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Walking through the ruins, including the Temple of Zeus and the original stadium, made history feel real in a way I had never experienced before. 

Instead of having a regular group lunch, we went to a local shop and bought authentic gelato. Afterward, we explored the city of Olympia and had a chance  to see what everyday life looked like. At the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, we participated in a scavenger hunt where we split into two teams and had to find artifacts in the museum related to specific words. For example, one of the artifact clues was connected to the word “traitor,” which made us think more deeply about the meaning behind objects and names and made the activity more interactive. By the end of the day, after checking into our hotel and having dinner, I felt both exhausted and amazed by everything the day had to offer.  

The curricular travel path through Greece was unforgettable. It allowed me to learn, explore, and try new things. From scenic bus rides to walking through ancient ruins and participating in activities like the museum scavenger hunt, every part of the trip was meaningful. This trip not only helped me understand Greek history and culture better, but it also made me more open to new experiences. I’m excited to travel more in the future.”