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6th Grade  Project 5 weeks

Wax Figure Adventure: Time Travel Museum

Hailee P
Updated
2-NI-05
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
+ 2 more
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Purpose

This project invites 6th-grade students to explore the lives and contributions of historical individuals from ancient history through research and creative expression. By designing a wax museum exhibit, students will investigate the impact of these figures on past and present societies and develop research and communication skills. The project emphasizes personal and academic growth through self-directed learning, critical thinking, public speaking, and collaboration, allowing students to connect deeply with history in a meaningful, hands-on manner.

Learning goals

Students will explore the impact of historical individuals on society and develop public speaking skills by presenting their research in a museum-style format. They will engage in research, classification, and critical reflection activities to understand change and continuity throughout history. Learners will practice effective communication and collaboration with peers while designing their exhibits and revising their work through teacher feedback. Throughout the project, students will deepen their self-directed learning, academic mindset, and critical thinking competencies, as they engage in creating a meaningful public presentation for their community.

Standards
  • [Computer Science Teachers Association] 2-NI-05 - Explain how physical and digital security measures protect electronic information.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.

Products

Throughout the project, students will design museum exhibits showcasing their historical figure's life, including artifacts such as drawings, recreated documents, or photos. They will create explanatory panels providing insights into the historical significance and its contemporary relevance. Audio commentary by students will complement these visual displays, ensuring a dynamic and engaging presentation experience. Participants will refine their public speaking and presentation skills during the process, culminating in an exhibition for the school and community.

Launch

Start the project with an interactive discussion exploring the question, "What makes a person important or memorable?" Encourage students to share their thoughts on various historical figures and current public personas, considering their impact on society. Incorporate multimedia resources, like short videos or images, showcasing different influential individuals from the specified periods. Use this as a springboard to introduce students to the concept of personal legacy and historical significance, sparking curiosity about the individuals they will research.

Exhibition

Students will transform the school hall into a dynamic wax museum exhibition where they will embody their chosen historical figures, showcasing their research on significant life events and impacts. Each student will integrate artifacts they've created like drawings and recreated documents into their individual exhibit, complemented by explanatory panels and audio commentary. Community members will be invited to explore these exhibits, allowing students to demonstrate their public speaking skills and engage in meaningful dialogue about history's relevance today.