Introduction
When we hear the word Vikings, we automatically think of horned-helmet wearing brutes, who pillaged and burned their way across the north Atlantic. However, this portrayal might not be as accurate as we assume. During this webquest you will learn about Viking culture, mythology, and traditions. You will research to create a more realistic and holistic picture of who the Vikings were.
Task
The Webquester will learn about Viking culture and daily life by looking at a variety of sources. The Quester will be able to draw connections between the Viking society and their beliefs.
The Webquester will learn about traditional Norse mythology. The Quester will organize information about the cosmology of Norse culture and the pantheon of their gods. You will create a presentation that compiles the knowledge you gain from each activity to be revised and submitted to CTLS on Monday.
Process
Activity 1: Organization of Facts
Using PowerPoint, Canva, or Google Slides, open up a new presentation. Change the title to "Norse Mythology Webquest." Create a title slide with this title and your name(s). Each slide should also include an image relevant to the topic. You may work alone or in pairs (no more than two people per group).
Activity 2: Daily Life
Learn about the following topics. Use the links below to help you learn about the lives of the Norse people. Add this information to your presentation and include photos for each topic.
� Appearance & Hygiene
� Family and community structure
� Gender Roles
� Legal System
� Leisure Time
Links:
http://www.arild-hauge.com/elife.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings/women_01.shtml
Activity 3: Creation
Creation
Read the Norse creation story. (It would help for you to read a couple of versions. Why do you think there are different versions of the same story?)
Create a flow chart of the main events in the creation myth and that includes the names of important places and characters. I will evaluate the chart for accuracy to the story, creativity, and aesthetics.
Doom and Destruction
What is Ragnarok? What will happen in Ragnarok?
The term "cosmology" relates to the structure of the universe. Using the links below, access the following terms related to the Norse concept of the Universe. Explain each term and provide a symbol to help you understand it. Be able to identify each place on a diagram of the Norse cosmology of the Nine Worlds. Using Google images, you should find a couple of different versions of the cosmology to look at.
- Asgard
- Bifrost
- Alfheim
- Jontunheim
- Midgard
- Svartalfheim
- Hel
- Yggdrasil
- Niflheim
- Muspelheim
Links:
http://norse-mythology.org/tales/norse-creation-myth/
http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/mythology/myths/text/creation.htm
http://www.viking-mythology.com/theNineWorlds.php
http://www.viking-mythology.com/ragnarok.php
http://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/story-ragnarok-and-apocaly…
Activity 4: Afterlife
Answer the following questions:
1. Describe a Viking funeral in a slide with at least one image.
2. Explain the requirements for a warrior to gain entrance to Valhalla in a slide with at least one image.
3. List the countries that are included in Scandinavia and include an image of the map.
4. Describe life in Valhalla in a slide with at least one image.
5. Compare and contrast the Norse afterlife with that of Greek/Roman and Egyptian. Create a Venn Diagram (comparing the three) in a slide to organize your information.
Links:
http://norse-mythology.org/concepts/death-and-the-afterlife/
http://rheinwood.weebly.com/the-norse-afterlife-if-there-is-any.html
Activity 5: Famous Nordic Figures
Study the following major Norse mythological figures. Provide a thorough description of each figure in separate slides with at least one image for each. Be able to recognize the individual(s) based upon appearance and verbal description.
- Odin
- Balder
- Thor
- Loki
- Freya
- Tyr
- Valkyries
Links:
http://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/norsegodspictures/tp/NorseGods.htm
Evaluation
Your project will be graded using the grading scale below. Be sure to work to actually grasp the information your are researching - you will be required to participate in a class discussion that will cover this info and you will also use this info on future assessments.
Rubric:
A -- The assignment is tidy and aesthetically pleasing. This means you used your space wisely, your typing is neat and without error, and the layout is easy to follow. All information is thorough and accurate, this means you used details and specifics. Basically, this is superior work that is polished and clearly demonstrates the student's best effort. This surpasses expectation. (90-100)
B -- The assignment is tidy. Most of the information is thorough and accurate. The effort is evident in the project. (80-89)
C-- The assignment is complete but parts are not tidy or aesthetically pleasing. Some of the information is detailed; some information is not accurate. The project seemed rushed. The student exerted minimal effort as is evident from the final project. (70-79)
F -- The project is incomplete. Most of the information is vague or overgeneralized. Lacks specificity and details. The student exerted no effort as is evident from the final project. (50-69)
0-- DID NOT DO THE PROJECT.