Beowulf​
Exam
Directions:​
Choose one of the project ideas listed below. Research and design a classroom
presentation that reflects the knowledge gained by reading ​
Beowulf​
and studying the
Anglo-Saxons. Some projects may be completed as an individual assignment, others require a
group, and some could be completed either way. You must decide what your strengths are and
choose a project that will help you to succeed.
1.​
​
Construct a Model of Herot – Individual Assignment
Create a floor plan and/or 3-D model of Herot. I will look to see that details from the text have
been included, so read carefully. When presenting to the class, be able to tell us what elements in
the poem (provide lines) can be seen in your reconstruction.
2.​
​
Beowulf​
with Puppets – Group Assignment (3 members)
Reenact the epic poem using puppets created by the group members. You will also need some
sort of “stage” area for the puppet show. The show must not exceed five minutes in length. I will
look to see that all major events from the ​
Beowulf ​
plot have been included. The group must also
provide a copy of the script used for the class presentation. I must know in advance which group
member is responsible for set, puppets, and script. All members must serve as “fact checkers” to
ensure that the plot is covered!
3.​
​
Reenacting Beowulf’s Battles – Group Assignment (2 members)
For this project you and a partner will reenact two of Beowulf’s epic battles mentioned in the
poem: Beowulf vs. Grendel; Beowulf vs. Grendel’s Mother; and/or Beowulf vs. the Dragon. I will
check to see that elements from the plot have been included, so read carefully! The battle will be
reenacted as part of the classroom presentation. Actors should be in costume and have a script
prepared. However, lines should be memorized. The script will be a reference for the teacher!
4.​
​
Beowulf​
​
Film – Group Assignment (3 members)
For this project your group will recreate the story of ​
Beowulf​
by filming your own version! Basic
plot elements must be included. Props must be used when necessary, and costumes are
expected. This version of the story may be modernized! The film should not exceed five minutes
in length. A script should be turned in on the day of the presentation as a guide for the teacher.
5.​
​
Beowulf’s Ship – Individual Assignment
Research Viking ships and carefully read the section of the poem that discusses Beowulf’s voyage
to Herot. After gathering information, create a representation (drawing, painting, or model) of the
Geats’ ship. Be prepared to discuss the knowledge used to create your masterpiece when
presenting to the class.
6.​
​
Beowulf​
Talk Show – Group Assignment (3 members)
Develop a talk show segment or interview with Grendel’s mother that discusses her point of view
after the loss of her son and reasons why she chose to attack Herot and Beowulf. This may be
modernized to a present-day setting, but major plot elements must remain intact. A script should
be given to the teacher on the day of the presentation. The segment should not exceed five
minutes. Not all members are required to act in the skit, but all members must share
responsibilities assigned. Lines should be memorized, and costumes are expected for the actors!
7.​
​
Monster Art – Individual Assignment
Create an artistic depiction of Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and/or the Dragon. Use knowledge
gained from the text and further research. Be prepared to discuss the knowledge used to create
your masterpiece when presenting to the class. Your art should be accompanied by a short
statement detailing why you made the choices you did and what pieces of the text helped you to
come up with this idea.
8.​
​
Beowulf​
Timeline – Individual Assignment
As you read, create an illustrated timeline of events in the poem. At least ten events should be
included. Also, you will need to have a list of character names and descriptions included as a
“key” for the timeline.
9.​
​
Beowulf ​
Comic Book – Individual or Group Assignment (2 members)
Create a comic book that depicts the story of ​
Beowulf​
. Include all major plot elements. You may
use an online comic strip generator like ​
www.toondoo.com​
or​
www.makebeliefscomix.com​
but be
sure that you are creating an original product. You may also illustrate a comic by hand! Your
comic book must include ​
at least​
a cover, two pages of comic strips and a back cover.
10.​
​
A Feast Fit for Beowulf – Individual or Group Assignment (2 members)
Research Anglo-Saxon foods, dining customs, and feasts. After gathering information prepare a
dish or two to share with the class. Be prepared to discuss some facts that you learned while
researching information for your food selection. Food must be an accurate depiction of
Anglo-Saxon origin. However, some ingredients may be substituted if necessary. Websites
like​
www.tjurslakter.nl, www.britainexpress.com​
, and/or ​
www.godecookery.com​
have recipes and
dining customs. Students must also prepare a “recipe card” for each member of the class. Meals
must be ready to eat upon arrival!
11.​
​
Old English Rap – Individual Assignment
Research the pronunciation of Old English language and create a rap song of the introduction of
Beowulf​
. You must record your rap or perform in class. I will be listening to see that your
pronunciation is accurate. Check out these websites for ideas and more
information:​
http://cuip.uchicago.edu/~iabrams/OE_Rap_port/OE_home.htm
http://www.heorot.dk/beo-intro-rede.html
12.​
​
Beowulf ​
Parody and Music Video – Individual or Group Assignment (2 members)
Take a popular song and re-write the lyrics to create a song about Beowulf and his epic battles.
After writing the lyrics, record a music video to go along with your performance! You must have a
copy of your original lyrics to provide to the class. The music video must not exceed five minutes
in length.
13.​
​
Beowulf ​
Website – Individual or Group Assignment (2 members)
Create a Google website that is all about ​
Beowulf​
. Included in your site there should be a
description of all characters, history of Anglo-Saxon culture, vocabulary from the story, a plot
summary (in your OWN words), lots of pictures, at least ten links to other websites for further
research, quotation analysis, resources used, and a reflection about what you learned from
creating the site. Spelling and grammar count! Your presentation will consist of explaining the
process of creating this original site.
14.​
​
Beowulf​
Board Game – Individual Assignment
Create an original game based on ​
Beowulf​
’s characters and events. Your game should include
playing pieces, a clear set of instructions, and some sort of board. When people play the board
game, they should learn and understand what transpires in the story; for instance, when players
draw cards that direct their next move, the cards instruct them to perform an action that happens
in the story.