By the time kids reach 4th, 5th or 6th grade in elementary school, they get the opportunity to participate in what is known as the “Wax Museum.” However, this isn’t just any ordinary wax museum---this is a living wax museum because the students, themselves, will be standing in as the statues.
Pioneer Elementary recently had their Living Wax Museum. Each student chose a famous person from American History whom they found interesting. For example, I met with Princess Diana, Orville Wright, Pocahontas, Julia Child, Sacagawea and more.
After several weeks of research, these students identified important facts to share and compiled a brief speech about their person. With large black lettering, they placed the name of their person on poster board, for all to see, along with a typed copy of their speech, which they memorized.
Additionally, there were pictures included of their famous person on the poster board. And, as a backdrop, they creatively put together a scenery, from butcher paper, of something depicting this person’s lifestyle.
The final result was the costume or clothing this notable person may have worn in their lives. Of course, Princess Diana was adorned in jewelry and a red, flowy gown while Orville Wright looked dapper in his suit and tie complete with a mustache and fedora to top the look.
You can tell the hard work that goes into projects like these. I was getting a little choked up as I stood and listened to the kids recite their speeches, all dressed up, and not missing a beat. This is the culminating project of their year!
Parents, grandparents, teachers, and students throughout the school came and toured the living wax museum to hear from their favorite famous people.
Did you know who Wilson Bentley was? He was the man who discovered snowflakes! That’s right! He was born in Jericho, Vermont, in 1865. He was homeschooled until the age of 14. He discovered that all snowflakes were different. His parents bought Wilson a camera to satisfy his curiosity. He was the first person to take pictures of snowflakes. Sadly, he died from pneumonia on December 23, 1931. Wilson Bentley was the famous person my son decided to research and that he did!
So much learning takes place for both the student and the listener. History coming to life is a magical thing. I had no idea who James Naismith was, but I do now! He was the inventor of basketball and the person who invented the football helmet. And the most surprising thing was that he was portrayed by a female student! And that’s ok! She pulled off the look by slicking her hair back into a pony tail, wearing the exact glasses Mr. Naismith would’ve worn, a suit, and tie plus a black mustache!
Remember the Olympians Aly Raisman and Lindsey Vonn? They were at the living wax museum, too! They wore their gold medals and stood on their platforms wearing their uniforms and outfits---looking very much the part!
Excited voices were heard throughout the room and speeches continued without stopping but after two hours these famous people were getting weary from sharing their stories. We may see Davy Crockett, George Washington or Michael Jackson again next year! Thanks Pioneer students!
