Explore Norse Myths!
Teacher Resources

Explore Norse Myths! With 25 Great Projects

By Anita Yasuda  
Illustrated by Bryan Stone

The stories of Norse myths and legends are a terrific introduction to Viking culture, history, science, and traditions, which thrived in Scandinavia from the eighth to the eleventh centuries. But who were the Norse, who left their homelands in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden to trade, raid, and explore around the world? In Explore Norse Myths! With 25 Great Projects, young readers discover the remarkable people and mythical creatures of old.

Learning about Norse myths not only means unearthing the origin of Viking beliefs but also exploring their ships, tools, and other technology that flourished for nearly 450 years. Along the way, kids will read how Norse myths helped explain the natural world from thunder to the seasons, from creation to death. They may be surprised at how much Norse myths continue to influence modern culture.

Through a mixture of fun facts, trivia, jokes, comics, and hand-on activities kids will dig up Scandinavia's past and sail the seas along with the gods and giants in Explore Norse Myths!

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Reviews

Publishers Weekly
“Yasuda gives readers a quick, lively overview of Norse myths, the influence of Scandinavian culture, technological advances made by Vikings and other Nordic peoples, and more. Throughout, she intermixes history and myth—a description of Odin's discovery of magical runes appears in a section about the influence of Norse legends (including the use of the runes for King Harald Blatand's initials as the Bluetooth symbol). In addition to the 25 interspersed activities, numerous jokes, profiles of Norse deities, trivia- and vocabulary-packed sidebars, QR codes with links to online content, and Stone's cartooning all contribute to the book's interactive and visual appeal.”

Puget Sound Council for the Review of Children's Media
Recommended -- Superior in style, liveliness, integrity and format.
“This book laid out in six chapters covers a lot of Nordic ground. While the title suggests that it is about myths, the book also delves into history of Nordic culture, explorers and more. And as the subtitle suggests, the book also includes a variety of activities -- twenty-five in all. The activities range from science (Constellation Night Light) to art (Design a Viking Helmet). All-in-all this book exceeds expectations. Educators will find plenty here to tie in with popular Norse myth kid-lit. Kids will just enjoy the magazine-like format and interesting text.”

Booklist 
“Fascinating myths, witty jokes, eye-catching art, games, science projects, and a coherent narrative history fill the pages of this informative volume, which presents multifaceted facts about the Nordic people based in Scandinavia before the twelfth century. The projects are engaging, and all rely on commonly available materials, such as egg cartons, empty juice boxes, or jars with lids. This engaging entry in the Explore Your World series is a great choice for the classroom and an entertaining introduction to world history.”

Marla Conn,  Educational Consultant
“Explore Norse Myths! is a true cross-curricular title where knowledge is interdependent and connected! This crossover in subject area enables students to achieve higher-level critical thinking and collaborative skills. Love it!”

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Detailed Book Description

The stories of Norse myths and legends are a terrific introduction to Viking culture, history, science, and traditions, which thrived in Scandinavia from the eighth to the eleventh centuries. But who were the Norse, who left their homelands in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden to trade, raid, and explore around the world? In Explore Norse Myths! With 25 Great Projects, young readers discover the remarkable people and mythical creatures of old.

Learning about Norse myths not only means unearthing the origin of Viking beliefs but also exploring their ships, tools, and other technology that flourished for nearly 450 years. Along the way, kids will read how Norse myths helped explain the natural world from thunder to the seasons, from creation to death. They may be surprised at how much Norse myths continue to influence modern culture.

Through a mixture of fun facts, trivia, jokes, comics, and hand-on activities kids will dig up Scandinavia's past and sail the seas along with the gods and giants in Explore Norse Myths!

Available In:
Hardcover, $19.95
9781619303164
Paperback, $14.95
9781619303201
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Charts | Maps | Glossary | Resources | Index | Metric Conversions Chart
Specs: 8 x 10 size | 4-color interior | 96 pages

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Timeline

Introduction
Let’s Explore Norse Mythology!

Chapter 1
A Giant Universe

Chapter 2
Tides of Technology

Chapter 3
Exciting Explorations

Chapter 4
Fierce Fighters

Chapter 5
Lasting Legacy

Chapter 6
Similar Stories

Glossary
Metric Conversions
Resources
Essential Questions
Index