• Grades 9-12
  • Script & Playwriting
  • Myths, Legends, & Folktales

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.

Get Printable Version  Copy to Google Drive

 

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

Recommended Student Materials

Editable Documents: Before sharing these resources with students, you must first save them to your Google account by opening them, and selecting “Make a copy” from the File menu. Check out Sharing Tips or Instructional Benefits when implementing Google Docs and Google Slides with students.

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.

How did you use this lesson?
Give us your feedback!

  • Original Writer

    Daniella Garran

  • Editor

    JoDee Scissors

  • Updated

    November 20, 2021

Related Resources

Collection Myths, Legends, & Folktales

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.

  • Myths, Legends, & Folktales

Article Beyond Food & Fiestas

Practical ideas for creating authentic cultural experiences for your students.

  • Language Studies
  • World Cultures

Article Reading Into Action

How theater and visual arts can help to engage your students to read.

  • English & Literature
  • Arts Integration

Article Reading Through the Arts

How theater and visual arts can help to engage your students to read.

  • English & Literature
  • Arts Integration
Kennedy Center Education Digital Learning

Eric Friedman 
Director, Digital Learning

Kenny Neal 
Manager, Digital Education Resources

Tiffany A. Bryant 
Manager, Operations and Audience Engagement

Joanna McKee 
Program Coordinator, Digital Learning

JoDee Scissors 
Content Specialist, Digital Learning

Connect with us!

spacer-24px.pngyoutube.png    facebook.png    twitter.png    instagram.png    email.png

Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education. The content of these programs may have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education but does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the federal government.

Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation; Annenberg Foundation; the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; Bank of America; Bender Foundation, Inc.; Carter and Melissa Cafritz Trust; Carnegie Corporation of New York; DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities; Estée Lauder; Exelon; Flocabulary; Harman Family Foundation; The Hearst Foundations; the Herb Alpert Foundation; the Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The King-White Family Foundation and Dr. J. Douglas White; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Little Kids Rock; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation;

The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Music Theatre International; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; the National Endowment for the Arts; Newman’s Own Foundation; Nordstrom; Park Foundation, Inc.; Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives; Prince Charitable Trusts; Soundtrap; The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust; Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund; The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; UnitedHealth Group; The Victory Foundation; The Volgenau Foundation; Volkswagen Group of America; Dennis & Phyllis Washington; and Wells Fargo. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts.

Social perspectives and language used to describe diverse cultures, identities, experiences, and historical context or significance may have changed since this resource was produced. Kennedy Center Education is committed to reviewing and updating our content to address these changes. If you have specific feedback, recommendations, or concerns, please contact us at [email protected].