RMS wax museum brings history to life for students
RUSSELLVILLE — Middle School sixth graders participated in a wax museum project that involved them researching historical figures and presenting information to visitors during a public event.
They stood beside display boards representing their assigned historical figures and began speaking when visitors approached or asked questions.
Sixth-grade history teacher Amanda Ridge said the wax museum format fit well with the sixth-grade curriculum.
Ridge said students selected historical figures who made positive contributions to their country or community.
“We wanted them to choose people who contributed to our country and our community in a positive way, not just someone they liked because they were famous.”
She said many students expressed nervousness before the event, particularly about speaking with people they did not know.
Ridge said students became more comfortable as the event continued.
“Once they started presenting and talking about the person they studied, they enjoyed it a lot more than they thought they would.”
Students completed the project in groups with each student responsible for specific research tasks while working together on presentation materials.
Sixth grader Luca Andrews portrayed Fred Rogers, known as Mister Rogers, host of the longrunning children’s television program “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
“I enjoyed the project so much,” Andrews said. “It gave me the opportunity to learn about Fred Rogers, interesting facts about him and why he believed in inclusion.”
He said learning about Rogers’ childhood shaped his understanding.
“I learned that as a child he was bullied, and he wanted to make everyone feel special and not bullied,” Andrews said.
He said working with other students contributed to the experience.
“What made this project so much fun was the group members I had. Everyone worked together to make the projects be the best they could be.”
Student Addi Rickard portrayed Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress who lived during the American Revolution and is traditionally associated with the sewing of early American flags.
“I was excited about completing the project,” Rickard said. “I learned so much about Betsy that I didn’t know. I learned that she learned how to read, write and sew at a young age, was a part of the Quaker religion and she lost her eyesight at the age of 81.”
Rickard said working with her group was a positive part of the project.
“I had a wonderful group to work with. The experience was so fun and I learned so much.”
Ridge said students maintained control over the content and presentation of their work.
“This was very much their work,” she said. “We offered supplies and printing, but what went on the boards and how they presented it was completely up to them.”
She said the project encouraged creativity without requiring families to purchase materials.
“One student made his Benjamin Franklin costume out of things he already had at home, and it came together really well.”
Ridge said some students remained in character throughout the event.
“A teacher walked up and called one student by her name, and the student said, ‘That’s not my name. My name is Elizabeth Blackwell.’ She stayed completely in character.”
Ridge said parents and community members attended the event in large numbers.
“The turnout was very good,” Ridge said.
