‘Wax Museum’ project brings history, careers to life

On Tuesday, May 17, seventh grade students at North Star Middle School participated in the second annual “Wax Museum” project. The purpose of this cross-curricular grade level project was for all students to identify, understand the accomplishments of, and relate to a notable world figure from the past or present. Students then created a product to showcase their knowledge of that figure. The seventh graders were encouraged to pick a figure in the field of a career path that they would like to follow.

Once their figure was selected and teacher-approved, the students had to complete various steps to prepare for the big day. At first, students spent several days researching specific details of their figure’s life, their impact on the world, and how they are remembered today.

Next, students used that information to formulate a first-person point of view speech with Mrs. Blackner, our seventh grade English Language Arts teacher. Students spent time revising and peer editing their speeches, along with putting their public speaking skills to the test with several teachers before the big day.

Finally, students spent numerous days in Mr. Stanko’s World History class creating buttons for guests to press in order to hear the speeches, writing notecards to assist with the oral recitation and designing their products that were on display in the gymnasium. Many students truly “became” their historical figures!