Fourth Graders Create Interactive Wax Museum

If you could walk in the shoes of a famous historical figure for one day, who would you choose to be?

Each year, the fourth graders have the opportunity to do this through their Interactive Wax Museum project. It begins with students selecting a person from the past to research. They then read a biography book, evaluate other sources of information, organize their notes, and write a research paper. The project culminates when the students dress and give a speech as their character.

They incorporate their knowledge of electrical circuits from their science study with Mrs. Driver to create a button, which will make their character come to life when pressed. 

This has become a signature project that students look forward to after seeing the classes before them come to life as dozens of different people who have made significant contributions in the arts, athletics, science, business, entertainment, politics, social justice, exploration and more. In the past, this event has taken place in the Finch Center Brooks Gym, however for the past two years due to the pandemic protocols, it has been shared virtually by video.

This is an experience they will always remember. Most of all, they have learned that through hard work and perseverance they can accomplish amazing things! I couldn’t be prouder of my students as they spent a significant amount of time preparing by memorizing their presentations and learning to speak clearly and confidently.

We really appreciate Mr. Terry Andrews for his time and patience in videotaping each person, inserting a background unique to each character, adding an inset photo of each Wax Museum button, and putting the video together. We couldn't have done it without him.

Here's what a few of our students had to say about the experience:

The Wax Museum was super fun. I had a great time, and I loved hearing my friends’ speeches. -- Morgan Cargal (Florence Nightingale)

I learned a lot from this project and learned the skill of how to write a biography. This project also taught me how to memorize long things and use my time wisely. -- Colton Denmark (Dale Earnhardt Sr.)

At first, it was very stressful, but after a while I became more confident. The Wax Museum was a very fun and interesting project. -- Ali Shahmehdi (Nikola Tesla)

I thought it was fun and exciting. It was kind of scary at the start, but Ms. Hunt prepared us very well and let us practice, so I wasn’t nervous when I got up there. -- Davis Gard (Stan Lee)

It was so fun. I just had to tell myself to take a deep breath and shine like a diamond. -- Madigan Linn (Wilma Rudolph)

I loved the Wax Museum project, and I want to see it in the years going forward. Ms. Hunt was an amazing teacher to work with on this project. You learn about other famous people. -- Mason Hammond (Roberto Clemente)

I think everyone did a very good job, and I was very proud about how everyone did. I love Westchester Country Day School. Thank you, Mr. Andrews. We love you. -- Emmaline Simpson (Maria Tallchief)

It was the best! It was my favorite project that I have done! -- Callie Daniel (Princess Diana)

The Wax Museum is hard, especially the memorizing. But if you do it the right way you can get it done easily. Ms. Hunt will help you throughout the project. -- Finn McDowell (Jacques Cousteau)

By Rhonda Hunt
Fourth Grade Teacher