Creation Myth Play Scripts
What do cultural creation myths tell us about the values and history of civilization?
In this 9-12 lesson, students will explore different cultures’ supernatural explanations for human existence. They will make comparisons between creation myths then write an original creation myth play script to perform for an audience.
Lesson Content
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Synthesize and discuss supernatural creation stories.
Describe the basic elements of the stories, pointing out similarities and differences.
Compare two creation myth stories and their basic elements.
Collaborate in groups to research and gather information about a culture.
Write an original play containing elements of creation myths and facts about a culture.
Standards Alignment
Apply basic research to construct ideas about the visual composition of a drama/theatre work.
Use script analysis to generate ideas about a character that is believable and authentic in a drama/theatre work.
Explore the function of history and culture in the development of a dramatic concept through a critical analysis of original ideas in a drama/theatre work.
Perform a scripted drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology’s capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating an understanding of the subject under investigation.
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for reflection and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the specific task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.
Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for reflection and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
Recommended Student Materials
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Websites
Teacher Background
Teachers should be familiar with creation myths. Preview the recommended materials prior to the lesson. This lesson can be used to enhance the study of any culture or civilization by an examination of its cultural origin.
Student Prerequisites
Students should have some familiarity with mythology and knowledge of a variety of cultures (those covered in history, social studies classes, or student cultures).
Accessibility Notes
Provide assistive technologies for students and extra time as needed for research and writing.
Engage
Ask students, how have different societies explained human existence and other natural phenomena?
Share several cultural creation stories from different cultures for students to read, discuss, and compare. The following creation stories are examples you can use: , , , , , , and .
Build
Explain to the students that they will focus on two cultural myths to compare. Students should use the to conclude the similarities and differences between the creation myths.
Students will use their comparisons to engage in an expository quick write. Allow students time to do external research and use their to answer the following quick write prompt: Explain why the cultural creation myths were similar and different. Cite specific examples from your research and analysis.
Engage students in peer or whole group discussions about their comparisons. Encourage students to point out connections or contrasting information from their own research and analysis.
Apply
Divide students into small groups and have each group explore one interactive creation myth on . Students should consider the following questions: How do these stories dramatize the plot? How are the main characters depicted? What creative liberties are taken with setting, conclusion, etc.?
Now have the small groups use their knowledge on different creation stories to write a skit to perform. For a good resource on techniques and tips for writing plays, see the site. Have the students select a structure for their play from one of the choices in the .
Allow students time to write, edit, and rehearse their skits.
Reflect
Have students perform their skits for the class. After each group has performed, discuss with students which skits were effective and why.
Assess students creation myths with the .
How did you use this lesson? Give us your feedback!
Greek and Egyptian mythology, the story of the Lion King, and the legend of King Arthus are just some of the ways these resources explore the different cultural interpretations of heroes. Then learn the stories of Cinderella, as well as American legends Paul Bunyan, John Henry and Pecos Bill.
Helping your students learn how to creatively critique each other's work.
Critique
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