Name:_______________________
Date:________________________
Directions:
Origin Myth: Cooperative Learning Jigsaw
You will read three origin myths. Each legend represents a specific Native American
tribe. The three groups of Native Americans you will read about are:
1. Onondaga
2. Modoc
3. Navajo
Working in groups, you will become an expert on ONE of the aforementioned tribes.
Then you will read the origin myth pertaining to your tribe and fill in the
corresponding column on the chart below. Finally, you will be required to share
your information with your peers, as well as acquire their expert information. In the
end, your chart should be complete. Please note: you are responsible for knowing ALL
the information on the chart pertaining to each tribe.
Selections:
FIRST READ THE BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON YOUR PARTICULAR TRIBE
ON PAGE 20.

Onondaga. “The Earth on Turtle’s Back,” page 22. Answer questions on
page 23 (1-3 under Check Your Comprehension” and 1-5 under Critical
Thinking), then begin your worksheet.

Modoc. “When Grizzlies Walked Upright,” page 24. Answer questions on
page 27 (1 – Check Your Comprehension and 1-2 under Critical Thinking),
then begin your worksheet.

Navajo. “The Navajo Origin Legend,” page 26. Answer questions on page 27
(2 – Check Your Comprehension and 3-4 under Critical Thinking), then
begin your worksheet.
Name:_______________________
Date:________________________
Origin Myth: Cooperative Learning Jigsaw
Background Information on
tribe (5 bullet points)
Onondaga
Modoc
Navajo
4-5 sentence summary of myth
What can you tell about
the tribe’s beliefs?
Name:_______________________
Date:________________________
Origin Myth: Cooperative Learning Jigsaw
Bringing it together: Please reflect on your reading, as well as the information
provided by your peers. Then complete the following questions SILENTLY. This is to
be done alone.
1. After learning about each tribe’s creation myth, which myth did you find most
interesting? Be sure to explain why!
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2. Identify two similarities between the creation myths.
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3. Explain how personification was utilized in the myths.
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4. How is it apparent that Native Americans respected nature through the origin
myths?
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5. Were there any similarities to your own beliefs regarding the beginning of
creation? Be sure to explain!
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