Project Information

Students will be participating in a living wax museum! This activity requires students to identify significant contributions of a famous or not so famous African American. They will get to choose the person to portray, but they must get teacher approval before proceeding with the project. In selecting a person, the student should try to find someone of historical significance; someone who has been successful in their goals and dreams; and/or someone who represents the "best of people and the world. The "living wax museum" is a collection of visual displays where students, dressed as famous individuals, stand at attention, while visitors walk around and tour exhibits illustrating the life of the person represented.

Step 1: Students will research the figure that they have chosen. Students will be provided a form that they will guide their research.

Step 2: Students will work with their English class to write a 3 page paper on their chosen historical figure. 

Step 3: Students will create a display board with illustrations and details to identify facts about their historical figure.

Step 4: Students will write a 10-20 second summary (oral presentation) introducing important facts about their figure to the museum visitors. This summary will be written on notecards for reference on the day of the living wax museum. Students must have their summary/speech memorized. The note cards are only a tool in case students become a bit nervous during the wax museum. Students should not have to rely on the note cards throughout the presentation. 

Step 5: From research, students will put together a simple costume that represents the historical figure they are portraying. They may also use props to help depict the figure. The costume will be worn during the presentation. 

Step 6: On the Living Wax Museum Day, students will set up a statin complete with posters, props, etc. They will have their presentation notes handy. They will also have a "button" that guests will press in order to have the student start saying their oral presentation. (We will make the "buttons" in class.)

Step 7:  Invited students, parents, and faculty will visit the museum. When the guests pass the historical figure and push the button, students will recite their speech. Students should remain in character at all times during the Living Wax Museum. 

This project will begin in January. Students are expected to work on majority of this project independently. There will be scheduled class days to work on the project in class. The Living Wax Museum Day will take place in February.