Path of Totality: Myths

Welcome to English 1 Honors, freshpeople. Your loving teachers are using the once-in-a-lifetime eclipse occurring on August 21 as the inspiration for your introduction to English 1 Honors. In the course of the next few days, you will practice your skills in understanding informational texts, researching, using MLA citation, understanding literary texts, summarizing, creative writing, giving oral presentations, and listening.

Sound fun?

Step 1: Reading “Solar Eclipse Myths from Around the World”

Learning Target: Support conclusions and inferences drawn from literary and informational texts with evidence.

After reading the article answer the questions on this Google Form
Once you’ve answered the questions, you are ready for...

Step 2: Researching Solar Eclipse Myths

Learning Target: Use research to compose an answer to a question or a solution to a problem and follow MLA citation and formatting.

Alone or in groups up to three, research one of the myths discussed in the National Geographic article, or discover an eclipse myth that was not included. Find a print or online source that you believe to be reputable.
.On a Google Doc shared with me and all partners, include the following
- A Works Cited reference for your source.
- A 5-10 sentence summary of the myth. (Hint: A summary is in your own words and is significantly shorter than the original, containing the most important information from the original text.)
- An in-text citation after your summary
- A 3-5 sentence explanation of what values and beliefs about the universe and human nature are revealed by the myth.
- Explain why you believe your source is trustworthy. What are some things you look for as signs that a resource is reputable?
Link to Rubric
Once you’ve researched an eclipse myth, you are ready for...

Step 3: Creative Writing

Learning Target: Choose language and syntax in writing that is vivid, precise, and appropriate for the intended audience.

Ancient myths may not explain much about natural phenomena to modern audiences, but myths do reveal a great deal about the cultures and societies they depict. With this in mind, you (and your partners) will write an eclipse “myth” that takes place in St. Louis, MO, on August 21, 2017. Your myth should attempt to explain some aspect of the event but also reflect our cultural values and beliefs. Your audience will be your classmates, so keep this in mind as you craft your tale.
Myths should be 1-3 pages, typed, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, double-spaced. Focus on quality over quantity!
As you write your story, be conscious of your style. Choose language and a style that fits your subject and will appeal to your audience. Active verbs, imagery, and careful diction will help hone your style.
Compose your myth in a Google Doc shared with me and any partners.
LHS Narrative Writing Rubric

Step 4: Oral Presentation

Learning Target: Plan and deliver presentations to engage and inform the intended audience.

For our first presentation in E1H, we will focus on how to engage your audience. You (and your partners) will share your myth with the class. And since myths were originally passed down orally without the aid of the written word, you will deliver your myth without notes. You should not be concerned with remembering your story word-for-word; rather, focus your energy on turning your myth into a performance that will capture the class’s attention and imagination. Things to consider
- Splitting up the presentation equitably between partners
- Using your voice, both volume and intonation, effectively
- Using body language and posture effectively
- Being aware of, and reducing, distracting habits you possess as a presenter (vocal pauses, weight shifting, hair twiddling, etc.)
Before you starting getting overexcited about your first presentation, keep in mind that this should be short and sweet--3-5 minutes--and it should be FUN!
Link to Rubric

Step 5: Reflection

Your teachers always live in hope that you have actually learned something in the course of your academic endeavors, not just about the content but also about yourself. To help both me and you understand the extent of your learning, please answer the following questions on a shared Google Doc or on a piece of loose leaf.
- What beliefs or attitudes about the natural world have changed in the past two thousand years or so?
- What beliefs or attitudes about the natural world have stayed constant throughout time?
- When you think about the different language arts skills included in this unit (critical reading, research/citation, writing, and speaking), what do you think your strengths are?
- Which skills might be a particular challenge for you this year?
- What do you and I need to do this year make sure your skills grow?

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