Past projects

The Symbols, Sites And Myths Of The Māori

Prepared by Kathleen Fancher as part of the Fulbright-Hays Seminars to New Zealand 2003.

Grade: 6

Executive summary

This past summer I had the opportunity to explore the myths and legends of the Māori. The attached curriculum project was constructed with the intention of introducing and examining this fascinating topic through a comparative study of world mythologies. The design of my curriculum project was threefold. First, it was created to be teacher friendly and as a springboard for more in-depth studies of Māori culture. Second, this project will present the myths of the Māori that lend themselves to studies in comparative mythology. The suggested activities will allow students to compare and contrast the various ways ancient cultures answered the great mysteries of life such as the creation of the world. Third, as a 6th grade teacher of world history and language arts, these interdisciplinary lessons strive to engage as many different learning styles as possible.

Table of contents

• Summary
• Standards
• Māori Creation
• Appendix 1
• Appendix 2
• Māori Myths That Address Sites/Nature
• Appendix 3
• Maui-Of-A-Thousand-Tricks
• Appendix 4

The Symbols, Sites And Myths Of The Māori

fancherk.pdf (148kB)