WAX MUSEUM AT SMITH RIVER

A Wax Museum entails students researching an American hero of their choice, collecting data, writing a speech, and pretending to be that hero by dressing up in character and teaching others about their contribution to society. We held the wax museum on March 23rd in the school cafeteria I had 26 students participating. Students were able to choose the hero of their choice as long as they positively influence society in some manner. I explained it could be a hero from your culture, someone who paved the way for others, or someone who broke records. Learning about heroes as a second grade standard, so I thought this would be a fun and engaging way for students to learn the standard and helped teach others at the same time. I will repeat this project every year. This is my fourth year of doing this project.

Due to COVID, the last class that I was able to do this with were the current eighth graders. The eighth graders were able to buddy up with second graders and help them research and read books on their particular hero. I have collected about 30 costumes throughout the years that students are able to use. Students are also able to purchase their own costume or create their own if they wish to do so.

The overall critique from parents, students, and even the kids that attended the event was positive. They were impressed at how well the students had learned their facts about their hero and were able to deliver their information with eloquence. They looked adorable in their costumes too! My students really took ownership of their learning and practiced their speeches. Most students were able to memorize their whole speech and presented it well. It amazes me how some of my struggling readers were so determined to memorize their speech.