The fifth-grade classrooms of Sandy Graziano and Katie Williams at CHSD170's Jefferson School recently joined together to create a wax museum of famous persons from history.
The activity saw the students identify a "Hero in History," prepare poster boards outlining prominent aspects of the individual's life and go into character to introduce the hero to their audience.
The activity took place in the school gymnasium and parents, staff, and members of the school's fourth-grade classes participated in the event. When attendees selected a "Hero," they pressed a button, and the students would morph into that hero and provide information about the person.
"The students gained inspiration for their presentations from a book in our new reading program called Real Life Super Heroes," Williams said.
"Each student researched a hero from history who made a positive impact on society. They then completed a research paper and used the information to animate their historical figure for the wax museum," added Graziano.
Each student poster highlighted their hero's name and included the person's photograph. When visitors pushed a button at the bottom corner of the piece the hero came to life, sharing a sentence or two describing essential elements of their history.
The student presenters were thrilled about the recognition received by their efforts.
"I felt happy and nervous about the wax museum, but when it started I liked it because of all of the people I got to talk to," said student Heladio Hernandez
"It was so fun to spread facts about my hero and to talk with all of the people at the museum," said student Alyssia Trevino.
Jefferson School Principal Christopher Baikauskas also was pleased to acknowledge the efforts of the students and teachers.
"The students of our fifth-graders, supported by the tireless encouragement of Ms. Graziano and Ms. Williams, created a memorable and accessible learning experience for everyone who attended the event and their enthusiasm and pride was apparent at every display," he said.