This week fourth graders at Webberville Elementary School acted out their favorite famous people-- living and historical-- in a live wax museum. FOX 47's Lora Painter has an inside look and talks with students as they prepare for the big day.
The whole school attends, learning from students during this special performance. Some of the famous figures include Betsy Ross, Michael Jordan and Michelle Obama. It is called a "wax museum" because the students dress up like their special person. Students and visitors fill the school gym, where the 4th graders are standing as if they are figures in a wax museum. Visitors approach them. Then they become "animated" and "alive," sharing biographical information about their chosen person.
Graham Lockwood, a 4th grade teacher involved in planning the wax museum performance, said students learn a lot of skills along the way. "It's a great thing for the school because it involves everybody. All grades, they get to some check it out.," said Lockwood.
Teachers, like Lockwood, first have the students write a research paper on their selected person. They use the library and computer lab to dig up facts. Teachers help students navigate reputable sources. Lockwood said his students learn important skills, such as writing, research, verbal communication, reading, which will take them very far in their academy careers.
