Name:
Period:
Date:
Creation Myth Project
Directions: Now, you have the opportunity to read various creations myths (from around the world and
Native American) and put your knowledge to the test. Pick one of the two options below for your
project. This will count as a Test/Major Project grade. DUE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16.
OPTION #1:
Comedian Bill Cosby took a well-known story in the Bible, “Noah’s Ark,” and did his own spin on it by
taking out the biblical grandeur and making Noah a more realistic guy. (“An ark. What’s an ark?”) You
are to take one creation story and put your own spin on it. You may pick from one of the religions or
cultures’ creation stories below to research and put your own spin on. The Christian and Judaic
creation stories are exempt from this project.
OPTION #2:
You are the leader of an up-and-coming tribe of people, and they have all asked you how the world
came to be. Pick one of the five types of creation myths (Creation from chaos, Earth-diver, Emergence,
etc.) as your guide and invent your tribe’s creation myth. Make sure that it is your own work and not a
copy of another culture or tribe’s creation story.
ALL PROJECTS MUST INCLUDE A PRESENTATION:
Regardless of the option you choose, simply writing a story and handing it in will receive no higher than
a B+. For an A on this project, you must go the extra mile. This may include a Photo Story, Prezi, film,
animation, totem, or prop from nature with carvings of scenes from your story to go along with your
presentation of your myth. Visuals are always good! Please check in with me if you have another idea of
how to present your creation myth to the class.
Presentations on: November 16 during class.
Turnitin.com Due Date: November 16 BEFORE CLASS.
Below are the categories for creation myths from which you may choose. Only one student per category,
unless you are going to make up your own. (Remember, it must be your own work.) Note: There is a
Judeo-Christian prohibition.
_____________1. Egyptian
_____________9. Buddhist
_____________2. Islamic
_____________10. West African
Native American:
_____________11. Central African
_____________3. Eastern Tribes
_____________12. East African
_____________4. Prairie Tribes
_____________13. Shinto
_____________5. Pacific Northwest Tribes
_____________14. Celtic
_____________6. Inuit
_____________15. Norse
_____________16. Mayan
_____________7. Aboriginal Australia
_____________17. Greek
_____________8. Hindu
_____________18 make up my own
Name:
Period:
Date:
Creation Myth Assignment (Due November 16) Rubric
1. Write a new creation story and structure a presentation or representation based on the common
elements you have found among the stories. The myth should be from an imaginary religion,
culture, or society. Or, demonstrate your knowledge of the similarities and differences of at least
two creation myths.
2. Create a presentation (Prezi, Photo Story, film, animation, comic or cartoon strip), story, oral
telling, or skit, in which characters from the myth interact with one another.
3. Rewrite one of the creation stories, changing some of its most fundamental aspects (i.e.,
setting, characters, chronology of events, ending, etc.).
Written Element
Thesis Statement & Introduction
Possible
Points
15
Points
Earned
· Clearly stated thesis for creation myth.
Evidence
10
· Demonstrates how the creation myth reflects the values,
history or ideals of the culture.
Analysis
If you rewrite an existing myth…
10
· References primary documents to support thesis.
· Cites similarities and differences between the two myths.
Conclusion
15
· Logical conclusion makes references to any relevant modern
connections.
Presentation
Completeness of the script.
Possible
Points
10
Accuracy and believability of the characters.
10
Originality and creativity of the presentation.
20
Accuracy of the portrayal of a particular culture or religion.
10
Points
Earned