Editor’s note: Our recurring series Notes from the Classroom gives teachers and staff members in Union County schools the opportunity to talk about experiences in the classroom or projects their students are working on. This week, New Town Elementary teacher Ann Jacobs talks about the Wax Museum projects her students took part in.
On March 13, more than 50 famous historical figures visited New Town Elementary School in Waxhaw. The halls of New Town became a museum of historical figures including entertainers, writers, musicians, world leaders, explorers and scientists. Wax Museum was performed by my class and Mrs. McGee’s fifth grade AIG reading classes. During the day, classes – from kindergarten to fifth grade – toured the museum then in the evening family, friends and special guests had the opportunity to meet and converse with these famous figures. Through this project, the fifth graders completed research, developed note cards, learned how to outline, wrote and even memorized a speech. In addition, students made or gathered artifacts to represent their historical person. Of course, the costumes were the biggest hit. To add to the presentation, students created a button for their display. Upon pressing the button their character came