WOODLAND — Elementary students in Woodland’s highly capable program recently wowed their peers, parents, and teachers when third- and fourth-graders selected historical figures to research and then portray as if they were in an animated wax museum.
The project aimed to enhance public speaking, presentation, and research skills while immersing the students in the lives of historical figures. Shae Lindsay, librarian for Woodland’s elementary schools and teacher for the highly capable program, spoke on the project.
“Students used their research skills to learn about a person of interest and had to take that research to develop both a presentation and write a short speech; this comprehensive project effectively encompassed the key areas of emphasis in the Hi-Cap program.”
Students could select any famous person from history with just a few caveats. “Although students were given the freedom to choose any famous person they desired, they were encouraged to select individuals who had made positive contributions to our world,” said Lindsay. “This criterion ensured that the project not only fostered knowledge acquisition but also promoted the celebration of remarkable figures who have influenced society for the better.” Scientists, artists, athletes and influential leaders were among the people portrayed.
The school’s third- and fourth-grade classes, as well as parents, visited the wax museum to learn from the students’ presentations. The interactive nature of the museum allowed visitors to engage with the “wax figures” and learn about their lives and contributions firsthand.
