Living Wax Museum Project

You will be participating in a living waxmuseum! This activity requires you to identify significant contributions of afamous or not so famous African American. Youwill get to choose the person to portray, but you must get teacher approvalbefore proceeding with the project.  In selecting a person, you should try to findsomeone of historical significance; someone who has been successful in theirgoals and dreams; and/or someone who represents the “best” of people and theworld.  The “living wax museum” is acollection of visual displays where students, dressed as famous individuals,stand at attention, while visitors walk around and tour exhibits illustratingthe life of the person represented.

Step 1:

Youwill research the figure that you have chosen. Use the attached form to help you get the facts you need to complete theassignment.

Step 2:

Youwill create a display board with illustrations and details to identity factsabout your historical figure. 

Step 3:

Youwill write a 10-20 second summary (oral presentation) introducing importantfacts about your figure to the museum visitors. This summary will be written onnote cards for reference on the day of the living wax museum. Youmust have your summary/speech memorized!  The note cards are only a tool in case youbecome a bit nervous during the wax museum. You should not have to rely on the note cards throughout thepresentation.

Step 4:

Fromresearch, you will put together a simple costume that represents the person youare portraying.  You may also use propsto help you depict the figure. The costume will be worn during thepresentation.

Step 5:

Onthe Living Wax Museum Day, you will set up a station complete with posters,props, etc.  You will have yourpresentation notes handy. You will also have a “button” that guests will pressin order to have you start saying your oral presentation (we will be making the‘buttons’ in class).

Step 6:

Invitedstudents, parents, and faculty will visit the museum.  When the guests pass the historical figure andpush the button, you will recite your “speech”.  You should remain “in character” at all timesduring the Living Wax Museum.

Thisis what you will be graded on:

I.  Display Board (50 points)

          A. Character’s Name & Picture/Portrait (10 points)

·        Character’sname - 2”-3” in height, centered at top of poster

·        Portraitof individual centered below the title

·        Tri-foldboard

          B. Vital Statistics-choose at least four from the following:  (15 points)

·        Dateand location of birth and death - mandatory

·        Family(spouse, children, etc.)

·        Childhood

·        Education

·        Hobbies/Passions

·        Otherimportant information

         C. Major Accomplishments (15 points)

·        List and describe this person’s major accomplishments

·        Whatwas this person’s significant contribution to society?

D.  Board Presentation (10 points)

·        Makedisplay board pleasing to the reader- add an attractive border design and/orother pictures

·        Putyour name in the lower right hand corner

·        Becreative and neat…i.e. measure, write in straight lines, appropriate use ofcolor, eye-catching

·        Useproper spelling, grammar & punctuation

II. Presentation (50points)

          A. Costume, Props, Character Portrayal (25 points)

·        Whatdo I plan to wear? What props do I need? What poses would be appropriate for mycharacter?

         B. Oral Presentation (25 points)

·        Makesure you have your oral presentation memorized

·        Makesure your oral presentation is between 10-20 seconds long

·        Makesure you include all of the information required

·        Speakloudly and clearly (practice this part!)

Use the attached form to help you research yourfamous person.  Once you’ve collected allof your facts, put it into a speech presentation format.  Write it as if you are this person, using ‘I’in place of ‘she’ or ‘he’.  When youpractice saying the speech, make sure you speak in the first person point of view.

LIVING WAXMUSEUM

Ihave read and understand the project description for the the Living Wax Museumproject.  I am aware that the 3 names for wax museumcharacters are due on ______________, and the completedproject/display boards are due on __________________.   I will help to oversee the progress andcompletion of the Living Wax Museum project. 

_____________________________

Student’sName

_____________________________                   ______________________

ParentSignature                                                   Date

NAME    _____________________________

OUTLINEFOR WAX MUSEUM NOTES

FamousIndividual: ______________________________________________

Whathe/she is famous for (this must be included in your presentation): __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Childhood-

-Whenand where they were born:

-Familylife:

-Wherethey grew up:

-Likesor interests as a child:

-Otherimportant information about their childhood:

Education

-GradeSchool, high school, college, no education:

Adulthood

-Jobs:

-Marriedand/or family:

-Wherethey lived:

Other:

-Highlightsof life or career:

-When,where and how this person died (if known):

Other Quick Facts:

Remember, this is just aguide to help you with your presentation. You don’t need to include all of the facts listed above, and you may even find some interesting factsthat aren’t listed that you may want to include in your presentation.    

Your oral presentationshould include at least:

1.      Three facts about their childhood/early years

2.     Three facts about their adult life/later years

3.     What they are famous or well known for

DUE DATE FOR SUBMITTINGNAMES FOR WAX MUSEUM CHARACTER:

^{___________________________________.}

DUE DATE FOR FINAL PROJECT/DISPLAYBOARD: