Third Grade Hosts Wax Museum

Third grade recently hosted their second annual wax museum! Some of the historical figures represented were Helen Keller, Amelia Earhart, Martin Luther King, Jr., Sacagawea, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. This activity helped students to learn about people from history and the impact they made, as well as skills like reading, writing, speaking, researching, and typing. 

The students began studying biographies in their reading class. They first studied the life of Ruby Bridges, learning about her journey as one of the first African American students to integrate into a white school. The students then began studying short biographies of other famous Americans such as Neil Armstrong, Betsy Ross, and John Chapman. They answered basic questions about each of these famous people such as when and where they were born, why they were famous, when and where they died, as well as any other interesting information. This helped the students when it came to researching their famous person for the wax museum.

After studying biographies, it was time for the students to pick their famous person for the wax museum. We had some choices for them to pick from, but students were free to pick who they wanted to research and portray. After selecting their famous person, students began the research process. They used a graphic organizer to help organize their research. Students were required to answer the same basic questions from before. Once students had their information, they were able to write their speeches.

Another aspect of this project was finding pictures and typing up some of their facts to put on their display board for the wax museum. The final step was putting the boards together. The students arranged letters to spell the name of their famous person, pictures, and the facts to fit nicely on their display boards. Students practiced their speeches any chance they had to memorize it, and also picked out costumes to wear the day of the wax museum.

On the day of the wax museum, the students dressed in character and stood frozen awaiting visitors. They came to life after someone pushed their talk button. The students would give their speech, refreeze, and await the next person to push their talk button. Students and staff from all over campus were invited to come by and learn about some famous people from history.

The students did an excellent job researching their famous person, as well as writing and memorizing their speeches. This process has been a highlight of the year for the students. They love being able to share information they are learning with others!

Jen & Melissa, Third Grade Teachers

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future. View all posts by St. Joseph's Indian School