LOWNDES, CO. – Westside Elementary Wax Museum featured a record-breaking number of fifth-grade participants displaying historical figures.
Release:
Westside Elementary School’s fifth-grade Discovery students showcased their talents and knowledge at this year’s highly anticipated Wax Museum event.
With a record-breaking 54 participants, students transformed the school gym into a captivating display of history. Each student stood proudly beside their decorative and informative table, dressed in full costume, ready to bring their chosen historical figure to life.
The event offers students a platform to embody various historical figures and present their research in an engaging and interactive way.
“At the beginning of the project, we give students a list of historical figures they can choose from,” explains Discovery teacher Heather Tone.
The list included people who would be studied in some capacity throughout the year. Students were tasked with narrowing down the list to the top three people that they were most interested in researching further. Teachers helped make selections from there.
The characters selected encompass a wide range of historical figures, including American government leaders, scientists, authors, inventors, and more. While many of these figures align with the curriculum, students also have the opportunity to explore individuals of personal interest, such as professional sports figures and entertainers.
Under the guidance of the school’s Media Specialist, Shayla Strickland, students delved into extensive research. Utilizing reliable print and digital resources, they honed their research, writing, and public speaking skills along the way.
Laird Walton, who chose to portray George Washington, discovered a wealth of information about our first president. “I knew he was our first president, but I learned a lot more when researching. He grew up in a house of 13 people!” He exclaimed.
Claire Barry portrayed Jane Goodall in the Wax Museum.
“Jane Goodall is so interesting,” says Claire. “We know so much more about chimpanzees all because of her!”
Claire says she was excited to portray Jane Goodall because she, too, loves animals.
“The Wax Museum project not only fosters academic growth but also cultivates creativity and self-confidence in our students,” says Tone. “They take immense pride in their displays and costumes, expanding their knowledge while sharing their discoveries with others.”
Parents, staff, and other students visited the museum, pressing “buttons” at each table to bring the historical figures to life. Each student recited a speech as if they were the characters themselves. Tone describes the guests’ response as “overwhelmingly positive.”
“I liked that we got to teach other people about what we learned when they visited the wax museum,” Claire explains.
Laird concurs and hopes the Wax Museum will continue for years to come.
“Future fifth-grades should look forward to this project,” says Laird. “I have never done anything like this before and it was fun to try something new!”
