Creation Myth Project
Purpose: Students should understand not only the story or myth but also recognize
commonalities among the myths from various cultures. Additionally, students should be able to
identify and explain what type(s) of creation myth they have researched.
There are six types of creation myth: (1) ex nihilo (2) creation from chaos (3) world parent (4)
emergence (Earth mother) (5) Earth diver (6) world egg.
Keep in mind some cultures use a combination of some of these types. The student should be
able to recognize this and explain which elements of the myth fit which of the six types.
Task:
1. In pairs, students are to research the creation myth of one culture. Cultures will be chosen on a
first come basis.
2. Research must include the use of at least one print material (i.e. books) as well as reliable
electronic research. You may use the electronic databases on INFOhio or general web searches.
Wikipedia IS NOT an acceptable source.
3. A bibliography of sources must be submitted in MLA format. A minimum of four sources is
required. Refer to Purdue's On-Line Writing Lab (OWL) for assistance OR me.
4. Each pair will develop a visual project to explain its creation myth.
a. The visual must include text (summaries, bullet points, etc.) and graphics.
b. All text should be typed and large enough to be comfortably read.
c. All graphics must be given credit (where did you find it?)
d. Visuals may be a poster, PowerPoint, Prezi, pamphlet, BlendSpace, or other creative
idea (see me for a discussion about your original idea).
5. Each pair will share their research and, in essence, teach its myth to the class.
6. Both members of the pair MUST take part in the presentation (lesson).
7. Individual expectations: each student is expected to take notes during others' presentations.
Note: your second notebook tab should be Creation Myths. All notes, handouts, research
artifacts (including any from the Earth-goddess mini-project) should be behind this tab. Your
notebook will be assessed at a later date.
8. See the rubric for grading standards.
Rubric
Category
Research (25
points)
Bibliography (25
points)
Visual (30
points)
Presentation (30
points)
Content (50
points)
Column Total:
Final grade:
Excellent
Thorough, reliable
sources, clear
understanding of myth.
Formatted completely
correctly; exceeds
expectation for sources.
Clear, well -conceived
and laid out; includes
graphics that are clear
and appropriate (in
nature and size); text is
typed and proofread for
grammar and spelling.
Clearly planned,
rehearsed, both
presenters participate,
information is clearly
given; students are able
to answer reasonable
questions from
audience. Sarcasm and
off topic comments are
non-existent.
Culture is identified;
main characters are
identified; all essential
details are included;
type(s) of myth
identified; comparisons
to other myths may be
present are clear and
accurate.
Points: ______/160
Proficient
Adequate but could
be enhanced with
further research;
reliable sources;
basic understanding
of myth.
Few (1 -3)
formatting errors;
meets source
expectations.
Neat, orderly lay
out; graphics are
present but are
difficult to see
(fuzzy, too small);
graphics
inappropriate in
nature; 1 - 4
grammar or spelling
errors.
Planning is evident;
flow of delivery is
jagged; information
is given with lapses
in continuity.
Students are unable
to respond to some
reasonable
questioning;
Sarcasm or
digressions are
present.
Culture is identified;
some additionally
characters or
digressive stories
incorporated;
type(s) of myth
mentioned but not
clearly developed;
comparisons to
other myths may be
present but are
unclear or
inaccurate
Developing
Minimal research;
sources lack reliable;
some misconceptions or
confusion in
understanding of myth.
Excessive (4+)
formatting errors; does
not source expectations.
Disorganized; graphics
are unclear or unrelated
to topic; graphics are
inappropriate (in nature
or size); excessive (5+)
grammar/spelling errors
Disorganized;
unrehearsed, delivery
lacks continuity. Unable
to respond to
reasonable questions;
Sarcasm and off topic
comments are
prevalent.
Culture incorrectly
identified; characters
are not clearly identified
and there are many
digressions; type(s) of
myth not identified; any
comparisons to other
myths are confusing,
inaccurate or
inappropriate.
Percentage:______% Letter grade: ________