Wax Museum Project

I am so excited to finally get started on our Living Wax Museum project next week with my students! This is such a fun activity to do after all our testing, and it is something that the students are actively engaged in during the last few weeks of school!  Plus, the research for the wax museum takes some time, which gives you less work planning! I'd say thats a win-win!

Traditionally, a Wax Museum displays people who have some sort of historical significance, but in this case, students will display themselves as a career they picked! This is actually so much fun because it allows me and their parents to see a little glimpse of them into the future - as responsible citizens! I've included a parent letter to go home that explains the project and how parents can help with this wax museum project.

The students get so excited when I introduce this project, which is really the best part! They are so wiped after the testing, and just waiting for summer to start, so it is nice to see them excited to be in school and working! Plus, if you missed getting some research skills covered throughout the year, this is a great project to get that covered! I like to print this introduction page with the student packet so they can remember the steps necessary to complete the wax museum project. 

I tend to see the hardest part for some of the students is determining what they want to be when they grow up. I've offered some websites that can help your students navigate the various options. Plus, you can have them take online personality tests which are totally free.  Sometimes it helps my students focus and get a good idea of what they want to be. 

Once they've identified what they want to be, the research begins! My students are required to fill out the student packet which helps that focus on organizing their information. Students are required to find the skills and training necessary for their career, why they would be good for that career, what a typical day would involve, and where they would go to best learn. These are all great questions they need to answer before they are ready to present in the Wax Museum. 

Once students have finished their planner and checked with me for approval, they begin thinking about props and/or a display board they want to have at their table. A lot of my students use both, but it really just depends on the career they pick. I mean a doctor has all sorts of props, but what props does an undercover FBI Agent have? Once they get moving with those, then they start preparing their speech. And they use the planner to help organize the speech. So easy! 

I include the presentation requirements so they students know what is expected of them, and I also included a rubric.  I will be honest - I hardly ever use the rubric.  It's the end of the year, and I just really want the students to have fun with this.  I learn so much about them, and it is hysterical to hear them talk like an adult. But if you need some last minute grades, the rubric is simple and easy to use!

Seriously, my favorite part - the Go "buttons" that the visitors press to get the students to say their rehearsed speech. If your students have their speech memorized, and they stay in character, it really is the coolest Wax Museum! Parents, teachers, administrators, students - everyone is so impressed when they get to be a part of our Living Wax Museums. 

Have you ever held a wax museum project in your classroom?  I'd love to get some other wax museum ideas that I could use with my students! 

Thanks for reading - hope you can enjoy this with your students! Grab it at my TPT store!